Wrist pain is very common, especially among athletes in sports like basketball and individuals in office jobs that require computer use. Here’s what you should know about wrist pain.

Causes of Wrist Pain

Wrist pain refers to discomfort in the wrist joint, which consists of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments. There are many potential causes of this pain, including:

Injuries that Cause Wrist Pain:

• Overuse and repetitive motion of the wrist.
• Wrist sprains.
• Sports injuries.
• Falls.
• Wrist fractures.
• Nerve injuries in the wrist.

Health Issues that Cause Wrist Pain: Some diseases and health problems can cause wrist pain as a symptom, including:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Tendonitis.
• Arthritis.
• Bursitis.
• Ganglion cysts.
• Kienböck’s disease (avascular necrosis).
• Gout.

Risk Factors for Wrist Pain

In addition to the aforementioned causes, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing wrist pain, such as:

• Participating in sports that require wrist movement, like tennis, bowling, and golf.
• Engaging in repetitive wrist activities, such as knitting.
• Certain health conditions, including pregnancy and diabetes.

Symptoms Accompanying Wrist Pain

Symptoms associated with wrist pain can vary depending on the underlying cause, but generally include:

• Swelling in the fingers.
• Difficulty grasping objects or closing the hand.
• Numbness in the hand.
• Numbness and pain that may worsen at night.
• Redness and swelling around the wrist.
• A feeling of warmth in the wrist area.

Diagnosis of Wrist Pain

Initially, a doctor will examine the wrist area for swelling and will ask you to move your wrist to assess its range of motion and grip strength. In some cases, the following may be necessary for diagnosis:

• Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
• Arthroscopy if the doctor cannot diagnose the cause through imaging.
• Nerve testing if carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected.

Treatment for Wrist Pain

Treatment for wrist pain depends on its underlying cause. Here are general treatment methods for wrist pain:

• Rest: It’s important to rest the wrist to aid recovery, especially from the cause of the pain.
• Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help. Ensure there’s a cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate pain and swelling.
• Changing positions: Alter repetitive motions that contributed to the injury.
• Physical therapy: Exercises that strengthen the wrist may be beneficial.
• Wrist supports: These help maintain wrist position and reduce pressure.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.