The wrist plays a crucial role in our ability to perform basic functions. In it alone, there eight bones that are connected by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Whether you are texting, writing, or picking up an object, you are using your wrist. Because it is constantly in use, wrist pain is common. At one time or another, every person will experience some type of wrist pain.
Given that there are many reasons why your wrist may hurt, it can be challenging to narrow it down to one particular cause. The most common causes for wrist pain are repetitive stress injuries, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Common Causes of Wrist Pain
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries are any type of injury that results from regularly repeating certain activities, such as playing the piano or using the computer often. While it generally occurs in the wrist, it can occur in any part of the body. The most common repetitive stress injury is tendonitis, in which repetitive motions cause the tendons, the fibrous tissue that attaches muscles to bones, to become inflamed.
Arthritis
Similar to tendonitis, arthritis in the wrist occurs when the joint (or joints) become inflamed. As previously mentioned, your wrist is made up of many small joints. When your wrist is healthy, the joints are able to easily slide over the bones and is protected by cartilage. In cases of arthritis, the cartilage that allows for the easy movement of the joints are damaged, which will, over time, lead to cartilage loss.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, a major nerve that runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand, is squeezed or compressed. It causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome becomes gradually worse over time, and continued pressure or squeezing of the nerve can lead to nerve damage.
How to Avoid Wrist Pain
In the moment, if you begin to feel that your hands are achy, take a break from what you are doing and allow them to rest.
In general, try to keep your bones strong by getting enough calcium and vitamin D. It is also important to take the necessary safety precautions when performing certain activities. If you are playing sports, make sure you are properly protected. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, be sure to take breaks and give your wrists a chance to rest.
To Alleviate Pain
Applying a hot or cold pack to the wrist can help to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve movement. Over-the-counter medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may also be helpful to reduce inflammation, swelling, and alleviate pain.
If those methods do not help and your symptoms persist or get worse, Dr. Ho’s Pain Therapy System may help. It works to relieve pain in many areas of the body, not just the wrist. Often used by chiropractors and physiotherapists, it is a drug-free pain relief solution that starts working right away to relieve muscle tension, pain, and soreness. It uses TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, to mimic relaxation techniques like deep kneading, gentle chopping, and soothing rubbing.
