Wrist joint pain is a very common problem today, mostly seen in office going people. It occurs as people spend a lot of hours typing on the computers or laptops. However, this is not limited to office going people, it is also found in athletes, homemakers, or senior citizens who perform repetitive activities or manual tasks.
The wrist gets affected as it plays an important role in every day activities such as writing, playing, cooking, driving, exercising and even using mobile phones. Even a minor injury in wrist can make it tough to perform the daily tasks. While mild pain can be resolved with rest, recurring pain should be examined by a medical professional. In the following blog, we will be reading about what wrist joint pain is, its causes, symptoms and treatment options available.
What Is Wrist Joint Pain?
A wrist is a very complex structure which comprise of multiple bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. All these parts work together to provide the required flexibility and strength in wrist. A wrist joint pain refers to the stiffness, discomfort and tenderness in the wrist area where the forearm bones radius and ulna connect with the other smaller bones of the hand.
Common Causes of Wrist Joint Pain
Wrist joint pain causes that are commonly found in people are as follows:
1. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
This is caused by repetitive wrist movements which may happen while typing, writing, or operating a machine. When the wrist goes through excessive stress, it leads to inflammation and affects mobility.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This syndrome happens when the median nerve which passes through a narrow passage in the wrist gets compressed leading to tingling, numbness, pain, weakness or difficulty in holding objects.
3. Wrist Sprains and Fractures
Wrist sprains or fractures may happen when the fall occurs on the outstretched hand, or due to sports injury. These injuries may cause bruising, severe pain, swelling and reduction in movement.
4. Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis may lead to wrist joint pain. While osteoarthritis may develop due to slow deterioration of the joint cartilage, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition which leads to inflammation in joints.
5. Tendinitis and De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects the tendons near the thumb area which makes it tough to lift things and lift objects. Any inflammation or wrist tendons make the movement painful.
6. Ganglion Cysts
These are the fluid-filled lumps present near the wrist, although harmless, they can make wrist movement uncomfortable and painful.
7. Lifestyle-Related Causes
Using mobile for a long time, working in poor posture and doing household activities continuously without taking proper rest may lead to wrist pain.
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Wrist Joint Pain Symptoms
Wrist joint pain symptoms depend on the medical condition which has led to it and therefore may differ in patients. The common symptoms include a feeling of pain while a person bends, rotates or does a work which puts pressure on the wrist, swelling, stiffness, difficulty in wrist movement, numbness, tingling, reduction in grip strength, popping, clicking and visible lumps.
How Is Wrist Joint Pain Diagnosed?
Wrist pain diagnosis is done by examining the symptoms of the patient. The doctor may ask for the medical history, and any previous injury or fracture. He may check if there is any swelling, tenderness, deformity or reduction in the movement. If required, the doctor may suggest certain imaging and diagnostic tests:
- X-ray: To see if there are any fractures, arthritis or abnormalities in the bone.
- Ultrasound: To assess soft tissues, ganglion cysts and tendons.
- MRI: To examine different parts of the wrist like cartilage, ligaments and other soft-tissue structures.
- Nerve conduction studies: To analyse nerve compression especially if the case appears to be of carpel tunnel syndrome.
- Blood tests: These are done when inflammatory arthritis or related condition is suspected.
Wrist Joint Pain Treatment Options
Wrist joint pain treatment is selected on the basis of its causes, and severity of the condition.
- The doctor may suggest to limit activities to help the speedy recovery. The patient may need to avoid any repetitive movements, and lifting or gripping objects until there is any improvement in the symptoms.
- The doctor may prescribe medicines for relieving the pain and anti-inflammatory medicines to control any discomfort or inflammation. Please note that the medicines should be taken only when advised by the doctor.
- A wrist splint or braces may be suggested to support the joints and help in maintaining a comfortable position. They are especially helpful in carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Physiotherapy may be suggested to help increase the mobility, strength, and flexibility of the risk.
- If required, corticosteroid injections may be given to reduce inflammation and relieve the symptoms especially in cases of arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome and tendon conditions.
- If any of the above treatment doesn’t work then surgery may be suggested in cases of ligament damage, structural issues or severe nerve compression.
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How to Manage Wrist Joint Pain
Wrist joint pain may be managed by reducing the repetitive activities and strain laid on the wrist. The following practices can help in minimizing the strain which are leading to pain in the wrist.
- Maintain a correct posture while using a computer which means the wrists must be in a neutral position.
- Avoid continuous typing or using phone for a longer time; take regular breaks in between.
- Do not put prolonged pressure on the wrist while you working.
- Exercise regularly as it helps in keep the wrist flexible, and mobile.
- Use ice packs for up to 20 minutes if there an injury occurred or swelling is present.
When to See a Wrist Specialist
If the you have been experiencing chronic wrist pain, then you should consult an experience doctor. Get examined by an orthopaedic specialist if there is swelling, stiffness, reduction is grip strength and movement, presence of lump around the wrist or you have been experiencing pain for more than 2 weeks.
Conclusion
Wrist joint pain may seem like a minor concern but when not treated on time, it can affect the daily activities. The best way to reduce the pain is to treat the underlying cause rather than suppressing the pain. Always consult an experienced doctor to get the reason behind your pain diagnosed and treated.
Dr. Kavita Poply is a wrist pain specialist in London know for her expertise in neuromodulation and providing customized treatment to the patients. If you have been facing persistent wrist joint pain or have got injured, consult her right now to get the best treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 What are the common causes of wrist joint pain?
Ans. The common wrist joint pain causes include repetitive strain activity, arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, wrist sprain, ganglion cyst, fractures and inflammation.
Q.2 What are the symptoms of wrist joint pain?
Ans. Wrist join pain symptoms are swelling, stiffness, tenderness, numbness, tingling, difficulty in moving the wrist and reduction in grip strength.
Q.3 How is wrist joint pain diagnosed?
Ans. Wrist pain diagnosis is done by examining the symptoms, checking the medical history and conducting tests like ultrasound, MRI, X-rays, nerve conduction studies and blood tests.
Q.4 What treatments are available for wrist joint pain?
Ans. The treatment for wrist joint pain are rest, physiotherapy, medication, wrist splints, steroid and surgery in some cases.
Q.5 When should I see a specialist for wrist pain?
Ans. If you have been experiencing wrist joint pain for more than 2 weeks, have swelling, weakness, or numbness in the wrist then you should immediately consult an experienced doctor.
