WRIST PAIN

Symptoms of wrist pain differ from person to person depending upon the cause. If the wrist pain is caused by an injury, symptoms may include swelling and bruising. For carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist pain can be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Other symptoms may include:

Some people may develop the following symptoms:

• Stiffness in the wrist or fingers
• Trouble gripping objects
• A clicking sound when moving the wrist

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose the cause of the wrist pain, you might undergo a physical exam and certain tests.

Diagnostic tests for wrist pain include:

• Imaging tests- X-rays or CT scans are used to evaluate the bones and joints.
• Electromyography – This test assess the health of the nerves.
• Nerve Conduction Velocity – This test is used to check for any nerve damage.
• Urine and Blood Tests – These tests will determine if there is certain medical condition behind wrist pain.

TREATMENT

Wrist pain is treated depending upon the cause and its severity.

Some of the treatments are:

• Medications – Anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and cortisone injections can be used to decrease inflammation and reduce pain.
• Splints – Wearing a wrist splint can prevent certain wrist movements that cause irritation.
• Home Treatment – Applying hot or cold compress at home can also reduce inflammation and pain.
• Surgery – It is only used as a last resort or if the condition is severe.

PREVENTION

One good way to prevent wrist pain is to practice an exercise technique which can strengthen muscles and tendons. Using wrist guards to prevent injuries when participating in sports, such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and rollerblading can also be helpful.