Taking a 15 minute break at work may be all that’s needed to reduce the irritation in your wrist if you do repetitive tasks, such as working as a cashier or constantly typing on a computer. Serious trauma to your wrist, either at work or from playing sports, requires more rest and a doctor’s examination (see below).
Symptoms of CTS include aching, burning, numbness or tingling sensations in your hand and wrist palm, as well as weakness and reduced dexterity. People who do lots of computer work, cashier jobs, racket sports, sewing, painting, writing and working with vibrating tools are at higher risk for CTS and other repetitive strain injuries.
You may only have to wear the wrist splint(s) during the day while at work or at the gym to protect your wrists. However, some people also need to wear the splints at night in order to keep their wrists in an extended position, which prevents irritation of nerves and blood vessels. This is common with people dealing with CTS or arthritis. Wrist splints can be purchased at most pharmacies and all medical supply stores. If you ask, your doctor might provide you one at no cost.
Types of appropriate cold therapy for the wrist include crushed ice, ice cubes, cold gel packs and small bags of frozen veggies (or fruit) from your freezer. Apply cold therapy to the most tender and inflamed part of your wrist for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time, every hour, for approximately five hours post injury for best results. Whichever type of cold therapy you use, don’t put it directly onto the skin of your wrist. Instead, wrap it in a thin cloth or towel first in order to prevent frostbite.
Short term use of OTC anti-inflammatories and painkillers (less than two weeks at a time) is recommended to avoid common side effects, such as stomach irritation, intestinal upset and reduced organ function (liver, kidneys). Don’t combine anti-inflammatories and painkillers at the same time, and always follow the dosing information on the packaging for the safest results.
An effective extension-type stretch for the wrists involves striking a pray position with both of your palms together. Then raise your elbows up until you feel a nice stretch in your wrists. Hold for about 30 seconds and do it three to five times daily for best results. Wrist strengthening can be done with light free weights (less than 10 pounds) or rubber bands / tubing. Hold your hands out with your palms facing up and grip the weights or handles of the tubing. Then flex your wrists towards your body against the tension. Always stretch and strengthen both wrists together at the same time, even if only one is hurting you. Both sides should have similar strength and flexibility regardless of which hand is more dominant.
Signs of a broken or dislocated wrist include: severe pain, significantly reduced range of motion, unnatural angles (crooked) and widespread swelling and bruising. [9] X Research source Fractures can occur in the small bones of your wrist (carpals) or at the ends of your forearm bones (radius and ulna). Slip and falls and punching solid objects are common causes of wrist fractures. Bone infections of the wrist are rare, but do happen in illicit drug users and can be triggered by trauma. Severe pain, swelling, skin discoloration, nausea and a fever are signs of a bone infection.
Osteoarthritis of the wrist is the “wear and tear” type and typically causes stiffness, achy pain and grinding sounds with movement. Rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist is much more painful, inflamed and disfiguring. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are able to combat some forms of inflammatory arthritis by suppressing your immune system. Biologic response modifiers (biologics) are another type of prescription drug used for rheumatoid arthritis, but they must be injected. They also work by altering the function of your immune system.
Severe tendonitis, bursitis, CTS, stress fractures and flare-ups of inflammatory arthritis are all reasons to consider a corticosteroid injection. The procedure is quick and can be done by your doctor. Results are often felt within minutes and can be dramatic, at least for a few weeks or months.
Your physical therapist may also use electronic machines to help with strengthening and pain relief, such as muscle stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound and TENS devices. Physiotherapy treatments are usually 3x per week and last for 4-6 weeks for most chronic problems of the wrist.
Most surgeries of the wrist are performed arthroscopically, which is a long, small cutting tool with a camera on the end. [15] X Research source Smaller stress or hairline fractures of the wrist typically don’t need surgery – they are either casted or braced for a few weeks. Carpal tunnel surgery is relatively common and involves cutting into the wrist and/or hand to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Recovery time can be up to 6 weeks.
