Wrist Pain

Wrist pain is commonly associated with broken bones and little kids that are injured from activities. Nearly everyone has broken a bone from time to time and chances are that it was probably their wrist or arm. And, while the wrist is a popular bone for injuries, it is also popular for other problems. There are a lot of reasons that individuals suffer from wrist pain. It is necessary to understand this pain and pursue options that will allow individuals to heal from the pain. In doing so they will live a healthier and happier lifestyle. Here is some helpful information about wrist pain.

Where It Starts And What It Feels Like

Pain in the wrist can be extremely debilitating, especially for people who work with their hands for a living. Since most people use their hands for all kinds of everyday tasks, wrist pain can seriously impede their ability to do their jobs and also to handle normal, expected daily tasks such as showering, dressing, and fixing meals for themselves and their family members.

Generally, wrist pain is dull and achy when the wrist is not being used, and it's very persistent. It can also become sharper and more immediate when the person starts to use the wrist. That's a serious issue for anyone who needs to use his or her wrist, and there are several causes for wrist pain, some of which can be more easily corrected than others.

List Of Common Causes And Conditions of Wrist Pain

Since there are several common causes of wrist pain, determining which one is appropriate can mean getting the proper treatment faster. Here are some common wrist pain causes:

• Pinched nerve – when someone pinches a nerve it can mean that the wrist hurts and 'twinges' when the hand is used in a certain way. For example, just gesturing might be fine, but trying to pick something up could be very difficult. Sometimes it's a certain way that the wrist is moved which causes pain. That can be hard to recreate, which means it can be hard to discover and treat properly.
• Carpal tunnel – this is a condition that causes chronic pain in the wrist because of repeated movement. It's called a repetitive stress injury. Some people are more prone to these kinds of problems than others, but most people who use their hands a lot – like secretaries, cashiers, and other, similar workers – can experience carpal tunnel.
• Injury – if a person injuries his wrist, it's only logical that pain could be the result of that. Injuries could be in the form of strains and sprains, but could also be breaks or fractures. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may or may not be something that can be taken care of at home.
• Arthritis – individuals that suffer from arthritis often develop pain in their wrists. There are two types of arthritis where wrist pain is common – osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, both conditions can cause problems in the joints causing the bones in the wrist to suffer.
• Kienbock’s Disease – this is a condition affecting young adults and it involves a collapse of one of the small bones in the wrist. This condition occurs when the blood supply to this bone is compromised.
• Ganglion cysts – these cysts are soft tissue cysts that appear on the top of the wrist opposite of the palm. The small cysts seem to cause more pain than the large ones.
• Activities can put individuals at risk for wrist injuries. Certain sports cause them to use their wrists repeatedly.
• Age is also another risk factor. Older people are more likely to suffer with wrist problems than younger people.
• Repetitive work will also cause wrist problems. Many hair stylists, artists, and people that sit at their computers all day suffer from this.

List Of Common Treatment Options for Wrist Pain

For wrist pain, there are several things that can be done. Here are some of the more common ways that wrist pain can be treated in most people:

• Immobilization can be used for cases of strains, sprains, breaks, fractures, and carpal tunnel. A brace or cast is used to stop the wrist from moving around. This allows time for the wrist to heal up properly, and that can help a person to feel better for the long run.
• Medications can be used, either over-the-counter or prescription, to reduce the pain that the person feels. While this won't heal the injury or problem, it will lower the amount of pain felt, which can help a person continue to function.
• Twisting the wrist while pulling on the hand is something that can 'unpinch' a nerve in some people. Care should be taken, though, not to pull too violently or twist the wrist too hard. Anyone who's not sure how to do that would be better off leaving it alone. A pinched nerve in the wrist will generally work itself out in a few days time.
• Coricosteroids can be injected in the wrist to help relieve pain and inflammation. Cortisone shots work well as an anti-inflammatory.
• Physical therapy is also helpful for individuals suffering from broken bones. It can help promote proper healing and also help relieve some of the pain in the wrist area.
• Surgery may be necessary in some cases depending on the severity of the injury. Although it is not the preferred treatment option, it may be the only option to treat the injury and relieve the pain the individual is suffering from.

Holistic Approach

Every wrist injury is different. Therefore, treating the pain associated with each injury might be different as well. For some people, using an alternative treatment method might be beneficial to help relieve pain and promote healing in the wrist. In many cases this can be effective. Here are some natural remedies to help with wrist pain:

• Ice the area that has suffered the injury or is feeling pain. It will help reduce inflammation in the wrist and decrease pain.
• Bandage the wrist. The bandage acts as a great compression, allowing the wrist to heal properly and feel relief from the pain.
• Herbal remedies are a great option to decrease wrist pain. Many individuals that suffer from pain use herbal remedies. Try using hot linseed oil packs. Heat it up and saturate a cloth in the pack. Applying the cloth to the pain on the wrist will help decrease pain.
• Arnica and chamomile in the bath will help decrease the wrist pain. Both herbs are thought to be extremely healing.
• Supplements are beneficial to help with wrist pain. There are a variety of different supplements that are beneficial. These include, calcium, magnesium, whole leaf, cold processed aloe vera juice, glucosamine sulfate, shark cartilage, bromelain, evening, primrose oil, and kelp.
• Ice massages on the feet are also beneficial and help massage the feet and reduce inflammation.

When To See A Doctor for Wrist Pain

There are certain situations where wrist pain will require medical attention. Sometimes it may be a simple sprain. And other times, the doctor may be necessary for an evaluation and treatment recommendations. In order to determine whether or not the doctor is necessary, consider these guidelines. They are extremely beneficial and a great guide.

• Do not leave a wrist injury untreated. See the doctor. If the injury is left untreated, it could result in deformity of the joints. This will lead to pain that will be much worse.
• Any wrist pain that causes an inability to extend the wrist should be evaluated by a doctor. This is a serious problem.
• If the wrist continually swells, a doctor should be called upon.
• Any wrist pain that is associated with infection is sign of a problem. Infections to be aware of include, redness, persistent swelling, and unusual warmth.
• If wrist pain makes it impossible to perform tasks, then call the doctor.
• Pain in the wrist during the night or while resting is an indication that the problem could be more severe. Call the doctor.
• Lastly, if the wrist pain continues to get worse for no apparent reason, call the doctor. Take advantage of their services.

Managing Wrist Pain

Lastly, it is vital that individuals manage their wrist pain. The wrists are used often for daily function. And a wrist pain left untreated will only get worse. Therefore, if the pain does not get better, make sure to consult a doctor. And, after seeing the doctor, make sure to implement the suggestions and advice. This is the only way to ensure that proper healing will occur.

Lastly, lay off the injured wrist to avoid pain. This may be difficult, however it is possible. In the long run, lying off the injured wrist will ensure proper healing and a speedy recovery. And, it will ensure that the wrist is not further injured due to another trauma. Sometimes it is easy to forget how involved the wrists our in the everyday functions of life. However, the more rest the wrist receives, the less pain it will experience.