The wrist includes eight bones, three main nerves, and numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments. An issue with only one of these can cause significant and chronic pain.
Causes And Symptoms Of Chronic Wrist Pain
Understanding what causes your wrist pain is the first step to finding relief. While many things can cause chronic pain, some conditions are more prevalent than others. The following are some of the most common causes of wrist pain and their symptoms.
Arthritis
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the wrist. The former results from wear and tear on the joint, while the latter is an autoimmune disorder. They frequently cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness. A physical therapist Wichita KS can help you develop strategies to manage pain from arthritis.
Repetitive Use
Doing the same thing over and over is more than boring; it can also be very bad for your health. The wrist is susceptible to repetitive use injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, that occur from repeated pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Symptoms can vary from mild tingling to severe pain to a completely debilitating loss of use of the hand.
Ganglion Cysts
These are fluid-filled cysts that typically develop on the back of the wrist. While they are often painless, they can cause extreme pain or limit movement in some people. If you have a cyst on your wrist that causes discomfort, have it checked by a healthcare provider.
Recommendations For Dealing With Chronic Wrist Pain
The best way to find what will work for you is to speak with a healthcare professional to determine what is causing your pain and how to alleviate it. The following strategies may help you manage the pain so you can resume normal activities without discomfort.
Schedule Physical Therapy
Physical therapy Hutchinson KS may help you manage and overcome chronic wrist pain. Your therapist will develop a plan of stretching, exercises, and alternative activities to ensure proper form. It will be up to you to follow this plan to see results.
Improve Ergonomics
Changing ergonomics essentially means changing the workplace, activity, or environment to best suit your physical needs. For someone living with chronic wrist pain, this might be a keyboard with wrist support or a more appropriate working-height desk. Improving ergonomics is an especially important component if you are dealing with a repetitive use injury because it can help remove the movement that caused the injury.
Give It Time To Heal
There is a lot to be said for providing rest time to a sore, achy, or chronically painful wrist. Elevating your hand and applying ice or heat can also help.
Try Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
Another helpful strategy for dealing with chronic pain can be over-the-counter pain medications or NSAIDs. These reduce inflammation and help make pain more manageable. However, they are not a long-term solution. Talk to your doctor or specialist at a Derby physical therapy office if you find yourself taking them for more than a few days at a time.
Don’t let chronic wrist pain define your life. Take time to learn the cause of your discomfort and then take steps to manage the pain, such as scheduling an appointment with a physical therapist or improving the ergonomics at your workstation.
