Wrist pain is one of the most common workplace ailments. In fact, according to studies, its prevalence can be as high as 6% in the general population. So it's essential to understand its symptoms, its causes and how to get rid of wrist pain . With this in mind, this article will provide you with all the information you need to know about wrist pain .
What exactly is wrist pain ?
Although it may seem obvious, it's necessary to define what exactly wrist pain is, as it's often confused with general arm or forearm pain. The wrist is the joint that connects the hand to the arm, and is made up of eight small bones and two bones that also belong to the forearm: the radius and ulna.
It is also involved in activities such as writing, using a computer or telephone, and lifting objects. Thus, wrist pain is discomfort that occurs in this area, which can be minor or can be really intense pain accompanied by swelling and difficulty in moving the hand.
Symptoms of wrist pain
When it comes to symptoms of external wrist pain , it's worth noting that these vary depending on the cause, but there are several common symptoms that can help identify the cause and appropriate treatment.
The first and most obvious symptom is searing pain in the wrist. Secondly, the person may have difficulty grasping objects or performing other activities that involve closing and opening the hand; in some cases, these actions may accentuate the pain.
Another common symptom is swelling of the area or redness, and the area may feel warm. However, if the person feels excessive heat, this may indicate an infection and they should seek medical attention immediately.
Causes of wrist pain
There are many reasons why a person may suffer from wrist pain, and different symptoms for each. We'll look at the characteristics of the most common causes below.
1. Tendonitis
Tendonitis is one of the most common causes of chronic wrist pain. Tendonitis is characterized by swelling of the tendons in this area. In fact, it's often the cause of wrist pain on the side of the little finger, as it often spreads to the fingers, particularly the thumb and little finger.
Tendonitis can occur in any part of the body, but is most common in the wrist due to its intensive daily use. In general, symptoms can be reduced or eliminated by rest, anti-inflammatory medication or physiotherapy, but in more severe cases, surgery may be required.
2. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Another common cause of wrist pain is carpal tunnel syndrome. This occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the forearm, becomes inflamed, causing pressure on the wrist and thus external wrist pain . Carpal tunnel pain is often aggravated by repetitive movements. Other symptoms include tingling, wrist pain on the side of the little finger and weakness in the affected hand. Fortunately, treatment is straightforward, and wrist pain is often reduced by splinting, anti-inflammatory medication or physiotherapy.
3. Ganglion
Ganglions or ganglion cysts are non-cancerous lumps that develop on the wrist, although they can also appear on the ankle and foot. These lumps are fluid-filled and oval in shape, but vary in size from one individual to another. They may not cause wrist pain but simply discomfort and difficulty in moving, or they may cause great pain by pressing on the nerves and numbing the hand. In itself, it is not dangerous, however, if the patient wishes to remove the ganglion, they should consult a specialist surgeon, as, if removed incorrectly, hand mobility may be lost.
4. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that occurs when bone cartilage wears away, causing bones to rub against each other and leading to pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It usually affects the wrist, causing pain. Other symptoms include weakness and difficulty performing tasks with the hands.
It's a chronic condition, so there's no cure, but over time a number of treatment strategies have been developed to reduce pain and restore movement. These include anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy to improve strength, and osteopathic treatment to increase range of motion.
5. The drop
Gout is another form of arthritis, causing inflammation and pain in the joints. Although it most often affects the feet, it can also affect the wrists and hands. It is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood, which produces crystals in the joints. If your wrist pain is caused by gout, it will appear suddenly and be sharp.
For treatment, doctors prescribe medication to reduce uric acid levels in the blood and anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, depending on the patient, it may be advisable to avoid alcohol and high-sugar drinks to prevent gout attacks.
6. Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is a type of joint infection that occurs when bacteria or other micro-organisms enter a joint and cause infection. It is quite common in the wrist, although it can also frequently occur in the knee. The result is inflammation, wrist pain, redness, fever, chills and fatigue.
Unlike the other causes listed here, this one is really serious and requires immediate attention. In case of suspicion, it's best to go to hospital. It generally occurs at address in people with weakened immune systems, who have suffered injuries or who have recently undergone surgery.
As you may have noticed, most causes of wrist pain can be treated with physiotherapy. If you're in Montreal, we recommend a consultation and treatment at Clinique Physiobalance.