In short,
- Wrist pain stems from repetitive strain, injuries, or conditions like arthritis.
- Physically demanding jobs increase susceptibility.
- Consult a doctor for persistent, worsening pain that limits daily activities.
Aching wrists can impact your everyday activities, which can make normal chores or activities (like cooking and cleaning) more difficult. At The Bone & Joint Center, our experienced doctors can help make sure you get the right treatment for your aches and pains, ensuring you receive the highest level of individualized care.
In this guide, we’ll walk through ways to understand wrist pain, treatment, ways to prevent it, when to seek treatment, and more.
Understanding Aching Wrist Pain
What is Wrist Pain?
Wrist pain is discomfort in the wrist joint, ranging from mild to severe, impacting daily activities. The wrist’s complex structure makes it vulnerable to injuries and various conditions, necessitating understanding potential causes for appropriate treatment.
Anatomy of the Wrist
The wrist is a complex joint comprised of eight carpal bones connecting the hand to the forearm’s radius and ulna, allowing a wide range of motion. Ligaments provide stability, connecting the carpal bones to each other and to the radius and ulna. Tendons enable hand and finger movement.
Major nerves and blood vessels supply sensation and circulation. The intricate arrangement of these structures makes the wrist susceptible to injury.
Common Causes of Aching Wrist Pain
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are a common cause of wrist pain, occurring when repetitive motions or sustained postures stress the wrist joint. This includes conditions like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression), and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (affecting tendons on the thumb side of the wrist), often affecting those performing repetitive tasks like typing, assembly line work, or playing musical instruments.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects the tendons that control thumb movement, causing pain and tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist.
Traumatic Injuries
Traumatic injuries include falls or direct blows, and can cause wrist fractures (e.g., distal radius fracture). They can also include:
- Breaks: A distal radius fracture is a break in the radius bone near the wrist.
- Sprains (ligament stretching or tearing): When ligaments that support the wrist are stretched or torn.
- Dislocations (bone displacement requiring immediate care): When bones are displaced from their normal alignment.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Underlying conditions can also contribute to wrist pain. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage breakdown, leading to pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, inflames the wrist joint lining. Gout results from uric acid crystal buildup.
Recognizing Symptoms of Aching Wrist Pain
Pain Characteristics
Wrist pain characteristics vary, described as sharp, dull, throbbing, or burning, worsening with activities or times of day, and sometimes radiating into the hand or forearm. The specific type of pain can provide clues about the underlying cause.
Associated Symptoms
Besides pain, symptoms include:
- Swelling, redness, and warmth (indicating inflammation)
- Stiffness (limiting motion) and numbness
- Tingling or weakness (suggesting nerve involvement like carpal tunnel syndrome)
These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to a doctor about potential treatment options that might be right for you.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention for severe pain unresponsive to rest and over-the-counter medication, inability to move the wrist or hand normally, or signs of infection. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring prompt treatment to prevent chronic problems.
If you are unsure if you need medical attention right away, it is always best to be cautious and consult a doctor or provider to help make sure you do not experience worsening pain.
Diagnosing the Cause of Your Wrist Pain
Physical Examination
A physical exam assesses range of motion, tenderness, and stability. Tests like Phalen’s and Tinel’s can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. Grip strength and sensation are also evaluated.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests provide information about wrist structures. X-rays reveal fractures and arthritis. MRI scans detail soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, nerves). Ultrasound assesses tendons and ligaments.
Nerve Conduction Studies
Nerve conduction studies, like electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests, assess nerve function to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve disorders by measuring electrical signal speed and strength.
What are the Treatment and Management Options for Wrist Pain?
Non-Surgical Treatments
Many cases respond to non-surgical treatments. Rest and immobilization with a splint reduce inflammation. Ice reduces swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen alleviate discomfort.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy improves wrist pain through customized exercise programs for range of motion, strength, and flexibility. In fact, a study from the Studies published in the National Library of Medicine indicate that physical therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve grip strength in wrist patients.
Ergonomic modifications also reduce strain, and manual therapy can help mobilize the wrist joint.
Injections
Injections can manage pain. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation. Hyaluronic acid lubricates the joint in arthritis cases. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may promote tissue healing.
How do I Prevent Wrist Pain and Promote Wrist Health?
Ergonomic Practices
Ergonomic practices prevent wrist pain. Maintain proper posture when typing. Use ergonomic equipment. Take frequent breaks to stretch.
Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
Strengthening exercises (wrist curls) and stretching improve wrist health. Consult a physical therapist for guidance.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes can help prevent wrist pain. Avoid aggravating activities or sports that may use a lot of wrist motion (like tennis). Maintain a healthy weight and if you are a smoker, try to quit smoking immediately.
When to Seek Professional Care for Aching Wrist Pain
Persistent or Worsening Pain
See a doctor if wrist pain persists after home treatment or worsens, especially with swelling. Ignoring pain can lead to chronic issues.
Limited Function or Instability
Seek care if you have difficulty using your hand, wrist instability, or numbness/tingling, which may indicate nerve compression.
Find a Wrist Pain Doctor in Bismarck, North Dakota
If you are experiencing wrist pain, call us today at (701) 946-7400 to learn more or to schedule your first consultation at our office in Bismarck, North Dakota. Our doctors provide individualized care that’s tailored to meet your needs and is aimed to help improve your day-to-day activities.
You do not have to endure pain without support from an experienced healthcare professional at The Bone & Joint Center.
