How to Cure Wrist Pain
Whether you’re a professional athlete, or just have a job that requires you to use your hands, you know that wrist pain can keep you from doing your best. But don’t worry, there are several ways to help treat and cure your wrist pain.
Osteoarthritis
Having arthritis in the wrist can have a negative impact on the way you move your hand. It can be very painful. A doctor may prescribe pain relievers to help alleviate the pain and discomfort. There are also medications that are used to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Osteoarthritis in the wrist is caused by a gradual breakdown of the articular cartilage that protects the joint. In this condition, the surface of the joint becomes rougher, causing friction.
It is often caused by years of wear and tear on the wrist. However, injuries and previous fractures can also increase the risk of developing this condition. OA of the wrist isn’t as common as arthritis of the joints in other parts of the body.
The mainstay of treatment for OA of the wrist is activity modification, such as reducing stress on the joints. You can also take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in tablet or gel form. You can buy these in pharmacies or at supermarkets.
You can also get corticosteroids injected directly into the affected joint. This can reduce the pain and inflammation for several months.
X-rays are usually not needed to confirm the diagnosis but are useful in determining the severity of arthritis. The x-ray will show if there is joint space loss, joint damage, or other problems.
A physiotherapist can also diagnose and treat wrist OA. They will perform a physical exam and palpation of the affected joints. They will also test your strength and range of motion. They will determine the cause of the symptoms and will order diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis.
There are treatments for wrist OA that include medication, activity modification, and surgery. If the symptoms are not too severe, a cortisone injection into the wrist joint can be an effective treatment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist pain are typically felt in the thumb and wrist. They can also be felt in the forearm and in the shoulder.
Usually, the symptoms will start gradually and will get worse over time without treatment. They may become more severe and persist for months.
If you’re suffering from these symptoms, you should see a physician. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They will also check your reflexes and assess your strength. They will try to rule out other disorders that might be causing your symptoms.
If the doctor thinks that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you’ll need to take special precautions at home and at work. The doctor will help you adjust your work activities and position your wrist and fingers correctly. You might also need to change your workstation.
You might be able to relieve your symptoms by using a wrist splint. These splints are designed to keep your wrist in one position and can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies.
The doctor may also recommend a brace or immobilization. This will help to reduce pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. You can also do exercises that will help to move the median nerve freely in the carpal tunnel.
You can also take anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the pain and swelling. If these methods don’t provide relief, you might need surgery.
Carpal tunnel surgery is a common surgery for people with this condition. It involves cutting a ligament in the wrist. It may be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Depending on your health, the recovery period can vary.
Tendonitis
Symptoms of wrist pain can be due to tendonitis, which is inflammation of a wrist joint. There are several causes for tendonitis, including repetitive movements, an injury, or inflammatory disorders. There are several methods for treating wrist tendonitis, including anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, and arthroscopic surgery.
Nonsurgical treatments are usually preferred. These may include splints, activity modification, and therapy. However, if the condition continues, surgical treatment is necessary.
If you have wrist tendonitis, you should contact a medical professional right away. Your doctor can perform a physical examination to help determine the cause and recommend a course of treatment. If a problem is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon, who can help you determine if you need surgery.
You may need X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to find out if there are other conditions that could be causing your wrist pain. These tests can also be used to rule out arthritis or fractures. If you have wrist tendonitis, your doctor will likely prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain.
You may also need to wear a wrist brace or splint to protect the area from further damage. You can also use topical creams or oral medications to ease pain and discomfort.
If you have severe tendonitis, you may need to undergo arthroscopic surgery. The surgery can release pressure from a tight sheath that surrounds the wrist tendons. This can reduce the amount of pain and improve your recovery time.
You may also need to take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. These medications will help you feel better, but they are not without side effects.
During the treatment process, you will also need to rest your wrist and avoid activities that aggravate your condition. This can help you avoid complications and speed up your recovery.
Sprains
Depending on the severity of the sprain, treatment options vary. Mild sprains can heal within two weeks, while severe injuries may require surgery.
X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can be used to diagnose sprained wrists. These imaging tests can be used to identify the type of injury and the extent of ligament damage.
The severity of a wrist sprain will affect how quickly it heals. In mild cases, you can manage the injury at home using RICE (rest, ice, compression, and exercise). This method will help reduce pain and inflammation and allow the body to heal itself.
If you have a moderate sprain, you may need to wear a wrist splint for one week. You can also use an elastic bandage to help protect the injured area. You can also try light stretching exercises. If you feel uncomfortable, you can stop.
A wrist sprain may occur as a result of a sudden impact or a fall. If you suspect that you have sprained your wrist, seek medical attention right away. You can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs over the counter to relieve the swelling and pain. You can also apply cold packs on the affected area several times a day.
For more serious sprains, you may need to see a hand surgeon. Your doctor will need to know your complete medical history. They will also want to know if you have any previous injuries to your wrist. They will also ask you how your wrist pain affects your activities.
If you have a severe wrist sprain, you may need to undergo surgery to repair the ligament. The surgery involves a tendon graft to reconstruct the ligament. The recovery period can be six to twelve months. You should not attempt to do any strenuous activity while you are recovering from a sprain.
Ganglion cysts
Despite the fact that they are not cancerous, ganglion cysts can be painful and interfere with movement. Depending on the size and location of the cyst, the pain can vary.
These swellings can be caused by a variety of conditions. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor to determine the cause of your ganglion cyst. X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs are all tests that may help diagnose the condition.
Your doctor will perform an examination to determine the exact location of the ganglion. They may also prescribe a diagnostic test, such as an X-ray, to rule out other more serious medical conditions.
Ganglion cysts tend to develop on the back of the wrist. If they are painful, you may require surgery to remove them. Surgical removal is a safe and effective method of getting rid of these cysts.
In addition to surgery, some people use braces or over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce the pain. Some ganglions can even be treated with steroid injections. This helps to prevent them from coming back.
Another option is an aspiration. During this procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the ganglion and a fluid is drawn out. The fluid is then tested in a laboratory. It’s usually done in the doctor’s office.
A less invasive treatment is keyhole surgery. This is a type of procedure that can be performed under a local anesthetic. It will usually take longer, but causes a smaller amount of pain after the surgery is complete.
When choosing a method of treatment, it’s important to remember that ganglion cysts will eventually go away. However, they can recur and cause you more discomfort. If they do recur, you may need surgery to remove them.
Health Sources:
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U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
