overview
When it comes to the intricate structures of our hands and wrists, even a minor injury can disrupt our day-to-day life. Wrist sprains and chronic wrist pain are common conditions that affect individuals across various age groups.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the specifics of wrist sprains and chronic wrist pain, discussing their causes, symptoms, available treatment options, and preventative measures.
UNDERSTANDING WRIST SPRAIN & CHRONIC PAINS
Chronic wrist pain is characterised by persistent discomfort in the wrist that lasts for an extended period. It can be caused by various factors such as:
WRIST SPRAINS ARISING FROM INJURIES
Our wrist is prone to injuries when we fall forward and land with an outstretched hand, using it to absorb the impact of the fall. This unfortunate event can lead to wrist sprains, wrist strains, and even wrist fractures.
Repetitive stress
Engaging in repetitive wrist movements can lead to inflammation of the tissues surrounding joints or result in stress fractures. Activities like striking a tennis ball, playing musical instruments like the piano, guitar, or drums, or even long-distance drives can lead to repetitive stress on the wrist. The likelihood of wrist injury increases when these repetitive actions are carried out continuously for extended periods without breaks.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that can occur as a result of natural deterioration of the wrist, particularly among older, middle-aged individuals and those with a family history of arthritis.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
When the median nerve gets squeezed inside the carpal tunnel — a narrow passage in the center of the wrist — swelling may occur, causing pressure to be placed on the nerve. When the pressure intensifies, it can lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
GANGLION CYSTS
Ganglion cysts tend to show up as bumps near the tendons or joints in the wrists or hands. As the cysts grow, they can cause discomfort, pain, and restricted mobility due to the pressure they exert on wrist structures.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF WRIST PAIN
You may be suffering from wrist pain conditions, including wrist sprains, if you experience:
Pain when moving the wrist
Difficulty making a fist or gripping onto objects
Swelling, redness, or bruising around the wrist
HOW IS WRIST PAIN DIAGNOSED?
When it comes to diagnosing a wrist sprain, Dr. Jonathan Lee will perform a physical assessment to evaluate the extent of your injury. This involves examining the affected wrist’s range of motion and checking for swelling, tenderness, or any visible signs of bruising on the wrist. He will also inquire about the circumstances leading to the wrist injury, and any other accompanying symptoms you may be encountering.
X-rays may also be suggested to rule out the possibility of a bone fracture or other underlying issues.
A thorough physical examination combined with the insights garnered from X-rays will allow our doctors to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of your wrist sprain, in order to determine the sprain’s severity and an appropriate treatment that’s suitable for your condition.
HOME TREATMENTS FOR WRIST PAIN
GETTING AMPLE REST
Giving your wrist time to heal is crucial as overexerting the wrist can prevent further strain and lead to complicated conditions.
USING A COOL COMPRESS
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and provide temporary relief from pain. Avoid placing the ice directly onto your skin; it's advised to position a towel between the ice and your skin for safety and comfort.
PAINKILLERS
Over-the-counter painkillers can alleviate discomfort. As with any medication, we recommend consulting a licensed doctor before taking them.
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS FOR WRIST PAIN
If home remedies don't provide relief, seeking professional help from a hand specialist is recommended.
Chronic wrist pain or challenging wrist sprains that do not respond to home treatments are best managed by experienced, hand surgeons specialising in diverse hand and wrist conditions.
Depending on the underlying cause of the wrist pain, our doctors may suggest non-surgical treatments for mild to moderate cases, or minimally invasive surgery when dealing with severe or complex conditions.
If wrist pain is affecting you, reach out for professional assistance and schedule a consultation with our hand surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Lee Yi-Liang. Having accumulated more than a decade of practice as a hand surgeon, he is dedicated to addressing hand and wrist conditions across all ages — find out more about Dr. Jonathan Lee here.
