Wrist

What causes wrist pain?

Your wrist contains eight bones called carpals, which are among the smallest bones in your body. The carpals support a tube that contains a nerve and tendons, called the carpal tunnel. A ligament covers the carpal tunnel and holds it in place.

Due to its intricate design, there are many factors that can lead to wrist pain. It’s common to injure your wrist in a sudden accident, such as reaching out to break a fall with your hands. Sudden impacts may cause wrist injuries such as fractures, sprains, or strains.

Long-term wrist pain usually results from repetitive stress or conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

The most common types of conditions that affect the wrist are:

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the nerve that travels through the carpal tunnel in your wrist gets squeezed. This common condition causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected hand and arm.

Repetitive hand and wrist motions, such as playing an instrument or typing on a keyboard, may increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, may also increase your risk.

Without treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome worsens over time. The expert team at Orthopaedic Associates offers a variety of treatments for this condition, including carpal tunnel release surgery for severe cases.

When should I see a doctor for wrist pain?

Minor wrist injuries typically improve with a few days of rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. You should schedule an appointment at Orthopaedic Associates if wrist pain worsens or doesn't get better after a few days of home care.

Severe pain, swelling, or bruising may be a sign of a serious wrist injury, such as a fracture. Orthopaedic Associates offers urgent orthopaedic care after hours for accidents and injuries that require immediate medical care.

How do you diagnose and treat wrist pain?

In addition to a physical exam, your physician at Orthopaedic Associates may take an on-site X-ray or MRI to confirm the diagnosis of your wrist pain.

Then, they develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• A splint or cast
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections
• Anti-inflammatory medicine

If your condition is severe, they may recommend surgery. Orthopaedic Associates has an on-site surgery center for your convenience. Call or book an appointment online today.