Wrist pain is mostly caused by sudden injuries. Underlying health conditions and accidents are also common causes. Roughly 178.9 age-standardized wrist fractures per 100,000 individuals occurred globally, as per a research article published on BMJ Journals.
This is another cause of severe hand pain that can restrict daily activities. The good news is that there are ample treatment options. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for your needs.
However, it is important to determine the right cause through proper diagnosis. A moderate sprain may need a splint, while a severe sprain could require surgery, according to Jersey Rehab. Have a look at a few common reasons why your wrist might be in discomfort.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition develops when a ligament thickens and puts pressure on a nerve that squeezes and leads to pain and numbness, according to an article by Medical News Today. The sensation runs through the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. You can also experience an electrical impulse to the muscle leading to the thumb. This can occur in either one hand or both. Splints or steroid injections can help.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This autoimmune disease mainly attacks the wrist first. Healthy tissues can be broken down in the body. Patients can feel swelling and stiffness in the joints due to normal aging, overworking, and wear and tear. If one wrist is affected, the other one starts to exhibit the symptoms soon. It can slowly lead to bone erosion without timely treatment.
Trigger Finger
This is an extremely painful condition that locks your fingers when you bend them with a clicking or snapping sound, according to an article by WebMD. This can occur at the wrist level too and reduce its ability to work. You can also experience numbness and weakness in the forearm and particular fingers. The condition can get better without treatment at times. But is it a wise idea to get in touch with a pain management team for support.
Ganglion Cysts
This is a fluid-filled tissue lump that occurs along the joints or tendons on the wrist and might be visible under the skin. It occurs due to trauma, overuse, or sudden injury. You can experience loss of mobility, pain, numbness, and a constant tingling sensation. This can spread to the other parts of the body. Therefore, make sure to get immediate medical attention.
Repetitive Stress
Repetitive motion syndrome involves activities like hitting a tennis ball, typing, driving, or knitting; activities that have to be done repeatedly in a short time. These often tend to overwork the joint which ultimately leads to pressure on the surrounding nerves. It happens when you perform the movement for a long duration without a gap.
Other significant causes are gout, Kienbock’s disease, and sports participation. Sudden exercising without warming up can often cause wrist pain. Look out for symptoms like swollen fingers, warmth in the joint near the wrist, and sudden sharp pain in the hand. This is when you must see a doctor at the earliest.
