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Definition
Symptoms
Wrist pain may vary, depending on what's causing it. For example,
osteoarthritis pain isoften described as being similar to a dull toothache,
while carpal tunnel syndrome usuallycauses a pins-and-needles feeling,
especially at night. The precise location of your wristpain also can give
clues to what might be causing your symptoms.
Causes
Risk factors
Wrist pain can happen to anyone-- whether you're very sedentary, very
active or somewherein between. But your risk may be increased by:
Sports participation. Wrist injuries are common in many sports,
including bowling, golf,gymnastics, snowboarding and tennis.
Repetitive work. Almost any activity that involves your hands and
wrists-- even knittingand cutting hair-- if performed forcefully
enough and often enough can lead to disablingwrist pain.
Certain diseases or conditions. Pregnancy, diabetes, obesity,
rheumatoid arthritis andgout may increase your risk of developing
carpal tunnel syndrome.
Although you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may
refer you to adoctor who specializes in joint disorders (rheumatologist),
sports medicine or even anorthopedic surgeon.
What you can do
Arthroscopy
If imaging test results are inconclusive, your doctor may perform an
arthroscopy, aprocedure in which a pencil-sized instrument called an
arthroscope is inserted into yourwrist through a small incision in your
skin. The instrument contains a light and a tinycamera. Images are
projected onto a television monitor. Arthroscopy is now considered
thegold standard for evaluating long-term wrist pain. In some cases, your
doctor may repairwrist problems through the arthroscope.
Nerve tests
If your doctor thinks you have carpal tunnel syndrome, he or she might
order anelectromyogram (EMG). This test measures the tiny electrical
discharges produced in yourmuscles. A needle-thin electrode is inserted
into the muscle, and its electrical activityis recorded when the muscle is
at rest and when it's contracted. Nerve conduction studiesalso are
performed as part of an EMG to assess if the electrical impulses are
slowed inthe region of the carpal tunnel.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
andacetaminophen (Tylenol, others), may help reduce wrist pain.
Stronger pain relievers areavailable by prescription.
Therapy
If you have a broken bone in your wrist, the pieces will need to be
aligned so that it canheal properly. A cast or splint can help hold the
bone fragments together while they heal.
If you have sprained or strained your wrist, you may need to wear a
splint to protect theinjured tendon or ligament while it heals. Splints are
particularly helpful with overuseinjuries caused by repetitive motions.
Surgery
Not every cause of wrist pain requires medical treatment. For a minor
wrist injury, youmay want to try putting ice on it and wrapping your wrist
with an elastic bandage.
Prevention
It's impossible to prevent the unforeseen events that often cause wrist
injuries, butthese basic tips may offer some protection:
Build bone strength. Getting adequate amounts of calcium-- at
least 1,200 milligrams a dayfor women over age 50, or 1,000
milligrams a day for most adults-- can help preventfractures.
Prevent falls. Falling forward onto an outstretched hand is the
main cause of most wristinjuries. To help prevent falls, wear
sensible shoes. Remove home hazards. Light up yourliving space.
And install grab bars in your bathroom and handrails on your
stairways, ifnecessary.
Use protective gear for athletic activities. Wear wrist guards for
high-risk activities,such as football, snowboarding and
rollerblading.
Pay attention to ergonomics. If you spend long periods at a
keyboard, take regular breaks.When you type, keep your wrist in a
relaxed, neutral position. An ergonomic keyboard andfoam or gel
wrist support may help.
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