Decoding Wrist Pain: Knowing When to See a Doctor

Many people suffer from wrist pain, which refers to any discomfort in the wrist. Some wrist pain is what we would consider normal and is a regular part of wrist use. After all, we use our wrists in nearly every movement throughout the day. From buttoning a shirt to lifting a heavy bag, the wrist is always involved. So, some wrist pain is par for the course. However, other wrist pain might be a symptom of another underlying problem. The wrist is a complicated part of the body that is comprised of the following:

• Bones
  Eight small bones called the carpal bones, join the radius and ulna (two larger bones of the forearm) to form the wrist, which is essentially a bridge from the hand to the arm.
• Muscles
  Muscles are the tissues of the wrist that control fine motor movement in the hand and fingers. They control wrist movement.
• Nerves
  The brain sends signals to the muscles in the hand and arm through electrical signals carried by the nerves. The nerves also send signals of temperature, pain, and touch back to the brain.
• Tendons
  Tendons stabilize movement in the hand by connecting muscle to bone.
• Ligaments
  Ligaments are also connective tissue. They connect bones and help to keep them stable in the wrist.
• Blood Vessels

The wrist is full of blood vessels that help supply blood to all the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

What Causes Wrist Pain

The wrist's many components create a complicated area of the body. It’s hard to understand where the pain could be coming from or exactly what component of the wrist is affected. So, what types of issues can cause wrist pain? There are two categories of wrist pain causes.

Injuries

• Wrist Sprain
• Sports Injuries
• Accidents
• Bone Fractures
• Overuse
• Pinched Nerves

Health Conditions that Cause Wrist Pain

• Arthritis
• Wrist Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Ganglion Cysts
• Infection
• Arthritis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

When to See a Doctor for Wrist Pain

If wrist pain continues, visiting a healthcare professional may be a good idea. Here are some other reasons to make the appointment to have someone look at your wrist.

• Pain that Persists or Gets Worse over Time
  This can be a sign that the wrist will not heal on its own and may need some medical intervention.
• Inability to Move the Wrist or Fingers
• Tingling or Numbness in the Wrist, Hand or Forearm
  This type of sensation could mean nerve injury or damage, and you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
• Swelling or Discoloration
  If the wrist, hand, or forearm appears to be swollen or shows discoloration, it is imperative to see a doctor. These symptoms could indicate a worse underlying issue.

How Will a Doctor Treat Wrist Pain?

A doctor may recommend several treatments in conjunction with each other. Here are some treatments that are typically used for wrist pain.

• Physical Therapy
  Regular meetings with a licensed physical therapist will help you gain strength in the hand and wrist, which can promote healthy wrist healing.
• Corticosteroids
  In addition to NSAIDs, a doctor or other medical practitioner may prescribe corticosteroids.
• Immobilization
  If an injury is severe, a healthcare professional will write a prescription for a cast or splint. From bone damage to tendons and ligaments, the immobilization of the area will give everything ample time to heal.
• Surgery
  Surgery may be recommended as a last resort for the treatment of wrist pain. It can be performed to treat conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist tendinitis and arthritis. It may also be recommended for the treatment of a wrist injury. A fracture in any of the bones of the wrist may heal through immobilization, but it may require the placement of pins or other devices. Surgery can also be an effective treatment for nerve damage.

How to Relieve Wrist Pain

Once you’ve seen a healthcare professional, you will know whether your wrist pain needs medical intervention. If you are cleared, rest at home, you may want to try one or more of the following standard treatments for wrist pain.

• Rest
  This may seem simple, but it may be one of the most challenging steps toward healing the wrist. Taking a little time away from work, sports, or other activities that cause wrist pain will give your wrist time to heal.
• Immobilization
  In certain situations,it may be necessary to obtain a splint or a brace to immobilize the wrist and give it time to heal.
• Ice
  Ice is a great way to reduce swelling in the wrist and relieve pain from injury or other causes.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medication
  Some NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can relieve wrist pain. Reducing inflammation will lead to continued pain relief and healing in the wrist. Naproxen, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are all over-the-counter drugs that can help reduce inflammation.

Wrist Specialist

Once you’ve decided to visit a healthcare professional and have your wrist examined, you may decide that a wrist doctor is the best option. There are many specialists who can provide knowledgeable and appropriate care for wrist injuries. Ask your general practitioner for recommendations in finding a wrist specialist who can help you quickly get on the road to happy, pain-free healing.

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics

In the Central Indiana, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is your go-to center for having a thorough wrist examination. We offer many treatments for the conditions that cause wrist pain, such as physical therapy, surgical care and more. Offering complete treatment for all orthopedic issues, we will help you with a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Here, you can receive a diagnosis, have imagery taken of the wrist, and see a physician so that you can be on your way with a treatment plan in place as soon as possible. Visit our website for more information. For urgent assistance, visit our HURT app.