Wrist Pain Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Wrist Pain?

Wrist pain or open wrist is a type of syndrome that prevents the patient using their hand due to a dolorous wrist, sometimes; the pain may even be very strong, going in crescendo when trying to apply some force.

Because so many factors can lead to wrist pain, diagnosing the exact cause can sometimes be difficult.

But an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment.

Causes Of Wrist Pain:

Wrist pain can be caused by any of the following reasons:

• Injuries

1. Sudden impacts
2. Repetitive stress

• Arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis
2. Rheumatoid arthritis

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Ganglion cysts
• Kienbock’s disease

Although wrist pain can occur to anyone, the following factors increase the probability of developing it:

• Sports participation
• Repetitive work involving the wrist
• Diseases or conditions such as:

1. Diabetes
2. Pregnancy
3. Gout

Symptoms Of Wrist Pain:

As the name suggests, the only symptom of wrist pain is the pain experienced.

However, the pain varies in terms of severity and magnitude depending upon the underlying cause of the wrist pain.

For instance, osteoarthritis pain is often described as being similar to a dull toothache, while carpal tunnel syndrome usually causes a pins-and-needles feeling, especially at night.

Diagnosis Of Wrist Pain:

The following exams and tests help in the diagnosis of wrist pain:

• Physical exam

During the physical exam, the doctor may:

1. Check your wrist for tenderness, swelling or deformity
2. Ask you to move your wrist to see if your range of motion has been decreased
3. Assess your grip strength and forearm strength

• Imaging tests

1. X-rays
2. CT scan
3. MRI
4. Ultrasound

• Arthroscopy
• Nerve tests
• EMG

Treatment Of Wrist Pain:

Treatment for wrist pain varies in accordance to the location, severity and cause.

All in all, the following treatments are available:

• Medications
• pain relievers, such as:

1. ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin,)
2. acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)

• Physical therapy
• Surgery

By : Natural Health News