Your wrists are complex structures that serve many useful functions with a near-infinite range of possible movements. With eight small bones that form the central tunnel where the nerves and tendons reside (the carpal tunnel), it is easy to see that many different types of injuries can affect this delicate area.
We use our wrists almost every moment of the day in some capacity. Because we rely on them so much, wrist pain will definitely interfere with your usual activities. Knowing the most common causes of wrist pain can give you a head start on home treatment or whether it’s best to seek medical attention. Understanding the cause of your pain can also help you avoid these injuries in the future.
Sprain or fracture – when we fall, our first reaction is to throw our hands out in front of the body to prevent damage to the face and head. This puts all the pressure on your hands and wrists when you hit the ground. This makes sprains and fractures one of the most common causes of wrist pain. Because this is a traumatic injury, seeing a specialist is recommended to get an exam and imaging to determine the type and degree of injury and treat it promptly to fully restore proper function.
Tendonitis – a common injury to the wrists and other joints is the inflamed and painful condition of tendonitis. Repetitive activities or overuse without giving tendons a chance to rest can contribute to this condition. Rest, cold packs and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen will often resolve tendonitis. If the pain does not fade within a few days, make an appointment to see an orthopedist.
Arthritis – developing over time, osteoarthritis can appear so gradually that it is easy to ignore the early signs. When wrist cartilage wears away and the bones of the joint rub together, it can produce intense pain that impedes movement. Most of the time, conservative treatment such as over the counter pain medicine, rest, and gentle stretching are adequate. If these methods no longer relieve pain and the joints show signs of irreparable damage or deformity, it is possible to have joint replacement surgery. Talk to your wrist orthopedic surgeon to discuss the benefits and risks.
Carpal tunnel syndrome – the carpal tunnel is formed by the bones in your wrist on the sides and bottom (towards your palm) and at the top by the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve and tendons run through this tunnel to the bones to which they connect and out to the fingertips. If the tendons inside the carpal tunnel are inflamed for a sustained period of time, as through severe tendonitis, the swollen tendons press the median nerve against the bones and ligament that make up the walls of the carpal tunnel. This describes carpal tunnel syndrome and the cause of the nerve pain. Again, a conservative measure to reduce swelling and education on how to avoid restraining the tendons are usually effective in relieving pain and resolving the underlying issue. However, in severe cases, it is possible for surgery to correct the problem. This is referred to as endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
If you have persistent or severe wrist pain, you need to trust your health and future to a highly trained specialist. The nine board-certified hand surgeons and specialists at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder practice at locations throughout Maryland. Our main office number is (410) 296-6232. Call for an appointment today or request an appointment online at one of our Maryland locations in the Greater Chesapeake area.
