Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Exercises

August 30, 2023

The wrist is a complicated joint that allows us to carry out a variety of motions, which makes it prone to harm and discomfort. Whether you’re suffering from wrist pain after working out, during bending, or on the thumb side, we have helpful advice and ways to help you feel better. In order to restore ideal wrist health, let’s explore the realm of wrist pain.

Wrist pain is a prevalent complaint that can significantly impact daily activities and limit functionality. The wrist is composed of multiple small bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to facilitate various movements. Any injury, inflammation, or strain to these structures can lead to wrist pain.

Wrist pain is caused by the following:

  1. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are overuse injuries that can result in wrist pain. Examples of these activities include typing, using a computer mouse, and playing some musical instruments.
  2. Sprains and Strains: Sudden collisions or falls may cause wrist sprains (injuries to ligaments) or strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
  3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): CTS is a condition that causes wrist discomfort, numbness, and tingling due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
  4. Arthritis: Because of joint degeneration and inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other types of arthritis can cause wrist pain.
  5. Tendinitis: Pain and restricted range of motion are symptoms of tendinitis, which is an inflammation of the tendons in the wrist.
  6. Ganglion Cysts: These lumpy, fluid-filled sacs commonly affect the wrist and can be painful.
  7. Fractures: A fall or direct impact can cause wrist fractures, which can be quite painful and suddenly develop.

Schedule a consultation with our orthopedic specialists to assess the cause of your wrist pain and receive personalized treatment options at Al Hilal Hospital .

Depending on the underlying reason, wrist discomfort may present itself in a variety of ways. Typical signs include:

  • A sharp or aching wrist joint discomfort.
  • Inflammation and swelling at the wrist.
  • Stagnation and a restricted range of motion.
  • Weakness and trouble holding objects firmly.
  • Feelings of tingling or numbness.
  • Noises made by the wrist when it moves.

It’s crucial to get evaluated by a doctor if you have severe or persistent wrist pain in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and the best possible care. Call us now to book your appointment at Al Hilal Hospital.

A thorough examination and diagnostic testing may be required to pinpoint the precise cause of wrist pain. In order to distinguish between illnesses such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, sprains, and fractures, a healthcare expert will take into account a variety of characteristics and carry out tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or nerve conduction studies.

Treatment:

The underlying cause and seriousness of the illness will determine the wrist pain treatment. Typical strategies include:

a.Rest: Give your wrist a chance to rest and heal by avoiding activities that make your pain worse.

  1. Ice and Heat: Ice packs can help reduce inflammation in the early stages of pain, while heat therapy may help soothe tight muscles and enhance blood flow during the healing process.
  2. Medicines: Consult healthcare professionals at Al Hilal Hospital for medicine related advice.
  3. Wrist Splints or Braces: Wearing a wrist splint or brace can give you support and keep your wrist immobile, which can help it heal and stop future stress.
  4. Physical Therapy: To increase wrist flexibility, strength, and joint stability, a customized physical therapy program may include wrist stretches and exercises.
  5. Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can sometimes be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
  6. Surgery: In extreme situations, such as those involving fractures or persistent carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may be required to address the problem.

Exercise can be quite helpful in treating and avoiding wrist pain. Here are some helpful wrists strengthening and pain-relieving exercises:

a.Stretching the wrist flexors involves extending one arm in front of you, palm down, and gradually bending the wrist with the other hand. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds, then switch to the opposite side.

  1. Wrist Extensor Stretch: This stretch works the wrist’s tendons; therefore, it is similar to the wrist flexor stretch. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds on each side.
  2. Wrist Circles: To increase joint flexibility, rotate your wrists in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions.
  3. To strengthen your grip, squeeze a stress ball or other soft object in your hand, release it, and repeat the exercise several times.
  4. To strengthen your wrist flexors, rest your forearm on a table and hang your hand off the edge with your palm facing up. Gently bend your wrist upward while holding a tiny dumbbell, then gently bring it back down.
  5. Wrist Extensor Strengthening: This exercise is comparable to the one for strengthening the flexors, but this time, you should start with your palm facing down and lift the weight by extending your wrist upward.

Never forget to carry out these workouts in a pain-free manner with controlled motions. Any exercise you are doing should be stopped right away if you feel pain, and you should see a doctor. Book your appointment now at Al Hilal Hospital.

After-work out wrist soreness may be a symptom of overuse or poor technique when performing wrist-related exercises. Before exercising, it is crucial to warm up sufficiently, keep the wrists aligned correctly, and refrain from applying too much pressure to them. If wrist pain continues, think about changing your training plan or getting advice from a physical therapist or fitness trainer.

The following self-care advice will help you relieve wrist pain:

When resting, elevate the wrist to lessen swelling.

  1. Avoid motions that are repetitive and aggravate the pain.
  2. Make use of ergonomic tools and equipment to lessen wrist stress while performing daily tasks.
  3. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice and put on wrist splints or braces.
  4. Use stress-relieving methods to handle mental and physical strain, which can aggravate wrist pain.

 Whether you need exercises for wrist discomfort, a medical assessment, or professional advice, our staff at Al Hilal Hospital is committed to offering complete care and assistance for your wrist health requirements.