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When you have discomfort in your wrists and hands, it can be really challenging to type, stir, carry, open, and grasp anything. Often, coping with wrist discomfort makes it difficult to carry out even the most basic of daily responsibilities.
Pain in the wrist might indicate numerous medical issues or forms of injury. After a few days of rest and self-care, the majority of people who experience wrist pain will feel better. See a doctor if the pain in your wrist does not improve after a few days or if it persists or worsens with time.
Repetitive stress injuries, such as sprains or fractures, are the most common causes of wrist pain. In addition, chronic diseases like gout or arthritis may cause wrist discomfort over time. Trauma, infections, or inflammation affecting the hand's ligaments, bones, or nerves can lead to such wrist pain-causing conditions.
Understanding what could be causing your hand or wrist discomfort is the first step in finding the right solution. In this article, we will discuss causes of wrist pain, when to reach out for medical help, and how to manage it so you may resume your normal activities without any challenges to deal with, such as sending emails, making soup, and opening packages.
The most common causes of wrist pain are injuries and certain health conditions that affect the wrist joint, bones, and tissue in your wrist.
Common Conditions Causing Wrist Pain
1. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of a nerve in the wrist.
2. Wrist tendinitis: Inflammation of the wrist tendons due to overuse.
3. Wrist arthritis: Inflammation of the wrist joint
4. Bursitis: Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs near the wrist joint.
5. Ganglion cysts: Pressing of noncancerous, fluid-filled lumps on nearby nerves.
6. Infections: Bacterial or viral infections in the wrist joint or tissues, leading to pain, redness, and fever.
7. Kienbock’s disease: A rare condition where reduced blood supply causes wrist bone damage and chronic pain.
Common Injuries Causing Wrist Pain
When wrist discomfort persists beyond a few days or worsens with time, it's important to seek medical attention. Also, if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's best to consult a medical professional:
These are the best tips for relieving wrist pain:
| Do’s |
| Rest your wrist whenever possible. |
| Apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel) for up to 20 minutes every 2–3 hours. |
| Keep your hands and wrists moving with gentle exercises to reduce mild pain and stiffness. |
| Use pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or tablets if needed). |
| Remove jewelry if your hand appears swollen. |
| Reduce or stop activities that worsen pain, such as typing, using vibrating tools, or playing instruments. |
| Wear a wrist splint for support, especially at night. |
| Use assistive tools or gadgets to make painful tasks easier (e.g., opening jars or chopping vegetables). |
| Don’ts |
| Do not use heat packs or take hot baths for the first 2–3 days after an injury. |
| Do not lift heavy objects. |
| Do not grip objects too tightly. |
The root cause of your wrist pain will determine the course of treatment that is necessary. If you're experiencing wrist discomfort, you may find that several at-home remedies help. An orthopedic specialist can advise you on the best course of therapy and estimate how long it will take. The following are the treatment options for wrist pain:
Dr. Ishwar Bohra is a highly respected name in joint replacement treatment in India, known for his versatile, patient-centric approach to care. A senior orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon based in Delhi, he brings over 24 years of experience and has successfully performed more than 25,000 joint replacement surgeries. Currently, he serves as the Director of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgery at BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi. If you are experiencing persistent wrist pain or discomfort, Dr. Bohra and his expert team are well-equipped to provide a comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment using the best possible approaches.
Wrists allow you to move your hands and do everyday tasks. We use our wrists so frequently that it's no wonder they sometimes hurt. However, persistent wrist discomfort is a sign of many different diseases and injuries. If your discomfort isn't going away or is becoming worse after a few days, you must reach out for medical intervention. Your doctors will determine the root of the problem by advising you of certain diagnostic tests. They will make an effective treatment plan to relieve your pain.
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Q1: Are home remedies effective in managing wrist pain?
A: A combination of rest, ice, and activity adjustment might alleviate mild wrist discomfort that is caused by strain or overuse. However, a doctor's visit may be necessary if the discomfort does not go away or gets worse.
Q2: Which home remedies are effective for wrist pain?
A: To alleviate wrist pain, you can rest the wrist, apply ice, wear a wrist splint, do light exercises, and take medication as needed. Do not put your wrist under any stress until your symptoms subside.
Q3: How can a doctor determine the cause of wrist pain?
A: Depending on the probable reason, several diagnostic procedures can be performed, including physical examinations, X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, nerve investigations, and blood testing.
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