There are many Americans that deal with wrist pain on a daily basis. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, wrist pain is one of the most common reasons why patients see an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic surgeons are highly trained in the treatment of bone, joint, and soft tissue conditions and injuries.
Wrist pain is a common problem that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. The wrist is a complex joint that is made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, and it is delicate, which makes it vulnerable to injury. Since many different wrist conditions share symptoms, only an orthopedic specialist should evaluate your wrist and order tests as needed.
Diagnosing wrist pain accurately is very critical to receiving the appropriate treatment and preventing chronic issues and long-term complications. Let’s talk about the possible causes of wrist pain.
The Most Common Causes of Wrist Pain
Any one of these conditions could be causing your wrist pain:
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, including the wrists. There are several different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis, a wear-and-tear type of arthritis, is the most common type that affects the wrists. Symptoms of wrist arthritis include pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Injuries and repetitive movements can accelerate the development of wrist arthritis. Treating wrist arthritis includes medication, physical therapy, and in the worst cases, surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve (which runs through the wrist). This pressure can cause tingling or numbness in the fingers, as well as pain in the hand or wrist. Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include splinting, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and surgery. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of repetitive strain injury caused by the wrist performing the same small motions with the hands, such as typing, peeling, slicing, knitting, painting, and scrubbing.
Sprains or Fractures
A sprain occurs when ligaments or soft tissues that connect bones are stretched or torn. A fracture occurs when one or more bones break. Both sprains and fractures can occur after falls, sports injuries, or other trauma to the area. Symptoms include a sudden onset of intense pain followed by bruising and swelling around the injury site. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, but often includes the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method for acute injuries, as well as physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the wrist. Fractured wrists are treated with immobilization with a cast, but for severe cases where bones move out of alignment, surgery may be necessary.
Wrist pain should be treated by a doctor, because it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. Moreover, wrist pain can also interfere with daily activities and impair quality of life.
Wrist Pain Treatment in Bismarck, North Dakota
For the expert treatment of wrist conditions, choose The Bone & Joint Center. Our orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating all manner of bone and joint conditions, including those that affect the wrist. You rely on your wrists for so many things daily – why not choose a board-certified orthopedic surgeon for your proper care and treatment?
Just because we are surgeons, doesn’t mean surgery is the only recommendation we give our patients. We offer a range of non-surgical treatment options for relief from painful wrist conditions. To schedule an appointment with us, call our office today at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650 or use our convenient online request form.
