5 causes of wrist pain
Hand surgeon Avery Arora, MD talks about common causes of wrist pain.
Even though the wrist is a relatively small part of the body, it has eight bones, as well as ligaments, tendons and tissue. The wrist also happens to be easy to damage, which could cause not only pain but also limited use of the wrist and hand. A wide range of things can affect the wrist.
1. Repetitive Motion
One of the most common reasons that people develop pain in their wrists is due to repetitive motion. Motions that cause your hands to do the same things, even simply staying in the same position for a long period can have terrible effects on the wrist. Driving for too long, typing and more can cause irritation in the joints, as well as stress fractures in some cases. This can lead to chronic pain for many patients.
2. Physical Impacts
Physical impacts, such as falling on your wrist or having something hit your wrist is a cause of injury and pain as well. An impact can cause a fracture, as well as a strain or a sprain. Even if the impact does not break a bone, it can harm the nerves, and cause tissue damage and swelling.
3. Arthritis
In addition, arthritis is a major factor when it comes to painful wrists. Two main types of arthritis can cause issues in the wrist, not to mention other areas of the body. Osteoarthritis happens after the wear and tear on your joints has broken down the cartilage and there is no more cushioning. While this type of arthritis is relatively rare for the wrist, it does occur. It is typically seen in people who have had prior wrist injuries. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in the wrist. It will generally affect both of the wrists at the same time. This is a serious condition, as it can also attack the body’s organs, so you need to have the guidance of a medical professional.
4. Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts, which are benign tumors that grow on the wrists, can be a source of pain as well. They often press on a nerve, which can cause pain and sometimes a tingling sensation. Removal of the cysts can help to alleviate the problem, but they may actually return.
5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when there is added pressure on the median nerve passing through the carpal tunnel. This can cause pain, as well as weakness in the wrist and hands.
What to Do If You Have an Injury to Your Wrist
Too many people believe that their wrist pain will eventually go away if they give it a little rest. While it might help with some of the pain at first, neglecting the source of the pain will only make things worse down the road. When you are suffering from recurring or chronic wrist pain, you need to set up an appointment with a doctor.
You may want to speak with a hand surgeon who can provide you with a proper diagnosis and treatment. Keep in mind that just because they are surgeons does not mean that they will always recommend surgery as a solution – they will find the best solution for you.
Learn more and find a hand surgeon at www.HandCare.org.
Dr. Avery Arora is a hand surgeon in Livonia, Michigan and has been considered to be a “top doctor” in his field as selected by other medical doctors and surgeons. He specializes in the care and rehabilitation of medical problems related to the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow and is affiliated with multiple hospitals, including Botsford Hospital and Oakland Regional Hospital.