WRIST PAIN - A WARNING SIGN OF BONE & JOINT HEALTH ISSUES!

• Ulnar wrist pain: Pain on the same side of the wrist as the ulnar bone, which is located on the little finger side.
• Radial wrist pain: Pain on the same side of the wrist as the radius, which is located on the thumb side

 
Wrist pain can happen to anyone, but it is especially common in the following groups:

• Sports players: Wrist injuries are quite common in many sports, including those with high impact and those that use repetitive movements that put pressure on the wrist such as football, bowling, golf, gymnastics, skiing, tennis,...
• People who regularly perform repetitive wrist-related tasks: Commonly encountered in professions such as barbers, white-collar workers, tailors, chefs or postpartum women who regularly care for and carry their babies.
• People with certain conditions or health issues that can cause wrist pain: Pregnancy, diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout may increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

 
Injuries to the bones and tissues in the wrist due to sudden trauma or gradually progressing diseases over time are the most common causes of wrist pain, with the most frequently encountered being:

• Injuries caused by overactivity or bearing the pressure of frequent repetitive actions.
• Wrist sprain
• Sports injuries.
• Fall.
• Fracture
• Nerve injury or compressed nerve.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Wrist tendonitis
• Wrist arthritis
• Bursitis
• Ganglion cysts
• Infections
• Kienböck disease

 
 Common symptoms depend on the cause of the wrist pain and the extent of the injury:
 

• Pain, swelling and bruising, difficulty moving the wrist or grasping.
• Pain, swelling and stiffness at the base of the finger for a long time, difficulty moving fingers and thumb, possible lumps.
• Dull pain, more intense at night, feeling of numbness or tingling, weakness in the thumb or difficulty gripping.
• There is a lump near the joint or tendon, which may be painful.
• Sudden sharp pain, swelling, with a crackling sound or popping noise at the site of pain.

 
Most cases of wrist pain are mild and will go away on their own with rest and home treatment. However, if the condition does not improve or worsens after a few days, the patient will need to see a doctor for an examination and accurate diagnosis of the cause.

The doctor may prescribe some following methods to assess the condition and cause of pain:

• Flex your wrist forward for 60 seconds to see if you experience any numbness or pins and needles.
• Tap on the area near the median nerve to check for pain sensation.
• Check the strength of the wrist and fingers.
• X-rays of the wrist to evaluate bones and joints.
• Perform an electromyogram to assess the health of muscles and nerves.
• Check nerve conduction velocity to measure the degree of nerve damage.
• Urine and blood tests to detect potential medical conditions.
• Take small fluid samples from the joints to check for crystals or calcium.

 
Some common treatments for wrist pain include:

• Rest: Taking a break, pausing sports, or reducing work intensity will give the wrist time to recover.
• Ice packs: Placing an ice pack or cold towel on the painful area for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day can be effective in relieving pain. Note that ice should not be directly exposed to the skin but should be wrapped in a layer of cloth or fabric.
• Use of anti-inflammatory drugs: Your doctor may prescribe some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Naproxen, Ibuprofen, or Corticosteroids to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
• Postural adjustment: Changing hand positions during repetitive movements can reduce stress on the wrist causing pain.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy exercises can help enhance strength and flexibility for the wrist.
• Wrist immobilization: Use a splint, bandage, or brace to keep the wrist in a fixed position and help reduce pressure on the wrist during recovery.
• Surgery: If the cause of the wrist pain is severe, conservative treatments cannot respond, in the following cases, doctor may recommend surgical options to remove tumors, repair nerve compression, torn tendons or ligaments, repair fractures or treat arthritis. Wrist surgery can be either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.

 
For white-collar workers or people who often use computers, the following ways can help limit wrist pain:

• Adjust the position of the keyboard so that the wrist is not bent up when typing.
• Limit the continuous use of the hands, so there should be a pause and relaxation of the hands to give the wrist a rest.
• Use a wrist pad when using a keyboard or mouse.
• n addition, you can alternate the hand you use for the mouse or practice using the mouse with your non-dominant hand .

 
Creating healthy, safe living habits is also an effective way to reduce the risk of wrist injury:
 

• Always wear a seat belt when traveling in the vehicle.
• Use wrist guards when playing extreme sports or contact sports such as skateboarding, rollerblading, hockey, etc.
• Make sure the living and working space is neat and tidy to avoid stumbling yourself or others.
• Use appropriate tools or equipment to carry or retrieve objects at home. Never stand on a chair, table, or tabletop with your arms outstretched or carrying something too heavy without supportive equipment.
• Use a cane, walker, or other assistive device if you have difficulty walking or are at high risk of falling.

 
► At the American International Hospital (AIH), Orthopedics & Traumatology Department, we provide various treatment solutions for musculoskeletal problems including: Orthopedic diagnosis, conservative treatment, surgery, and orthopedic rehabilitation.
 
Most importantly, the orthopedist will coordinate with the physiotherapist to plan treatment and design tailored exercises for each patient based on the assessment of the patient through many factors: the severity of the condition, occupation, sports habits, other medical conditions of the patient, and the appropriate training time for the patient.
 
In addition, AIH is equipped with many modern machines and equipment to help relieve pain, shorten the recovery time, and provide an ideal treatment space that best supports patients in participating in exercise and soon return to normal movement.