30/11/2023
Wrist pain is a common and discomforting ailment characterized by pain, tenderness, or aching sensations in the wrist area. It can stem from various factors, such as repetitive strain injuries from activities like typing, writing, or excessive use of electronic devices, as well as sports-related injuries, fractures, arthritis, or underlying medical conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. The pain may range from mild to severe and could be accompanied by swelling, stiffness, or limited mobility, impacting daily activities and reducing overall quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper management, including rest, wrist exercises, application of ice or heat, and in severe cases, medical intervention or physical therapy, are crucial to alleviate wrist pain and prevent further complications. Types of Wrist Pain
It can manifest in different forms, and its underlying causes often determine the specific types. Some common types of include:
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): These occur due to repeated movements that put stress on the wrist joint and surrounding tissues, such as excessive typing, using a computer mouse, or engaging in activities like knitting or playing musical instruments.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): One of the most prevalent wrist conditions, CTS results from compression of the median nerve as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist. This compression causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers.
Wrist Sprains and Strains: Sprains refer to stretched or torn ligaments in the wrist, often due to sudden impact or a fall on an outstretched hand. Strains, on the other hand, involve overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons.
Wrist Fractures: Fractures can occur in any of the small bones (carpal bones) that make up the wrist joint. These injuries can result from accidents, sports injuries, or falls.
Arthritis: Wrist arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to chronic wrist pain and joint inflammation, limiting mobility and causing discomfort.
Ganglion Cysts: Non-cancerous fluid-filled cysts that develop near tendons or joints in the wrist, causing pain and sometimes restricting movement.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: A condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, leading to pain and difficulty in moving the thumb.
Kienböck’s Disease: This is a rare condition where one of the small wrist bones, the lunate, loses its blood supply, resulting in wrist pain and limited wrist movement.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the wrist tendons, often caused by overuse or repetitive activities.
Gout: A form of inflammatory arthritis where uric acid crystals deposit in the joints, including the wrist, leading to sudden and intense pain. If you’re experiencing wrist pain, it may be described as:
Pain with movement
Stiffness
Swelling
Numbness or tingling
Grating sensation
Weakness