Wrist Worries!

Wrist pain is often caused by sprains or fractures from sudden injuries; however, wrist pain can also result from long-term problems.

As there are many factors contributing to wrist pain, diagnosing the exact cause can be difficult, so it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis for proper treatment and healing.

Let’s take a look at 5 causes of wrist pain that don’t stem from sprains or fractures.

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. It can cause swelling and stiffness in the affected body part.

Arthritis has many causes including:

• Wear and tear
• Overuse of the hands
• Ageing

There are many forms of arthritis but the most common types that can affect the wrist are:

• Osteoarthritis

This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones deteriorates over time due to ageing and repeated motion. This increases the friction as the bones of the joint rub together resulting in pain and swelling.

• Rheumatoid arthritis

This type is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and can affect both wrists. This can cause painful swelling, which may eventually result in bone erosion.

• Gout

Gout inflames joints, making them painful, swollen, and tender. The affected joint may feel warm to the touch. Gout occurs when too much uric acid builds up in your bloodstream. The excess acid causes tiny, painful crystals to form in the joints and soft tissues.

2. Carpal tunnel syndrome

This syndrome develops when there is increased pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel (a passageway in the palm side of the wrist) and provides feeling and movement in the hand.

The median nerve is one of the three major nerves in the forearm and provides the electrical impulse to the muscles leading to the thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur in one or both hands.

3. Kienbock’s disease

This disease typically affects young adults, it is quite rare and causes the lunate bone in the wrist to slowly collapse. It occurs when there is not enough blood supply to this bone. Kienbock’s disease can cause decreased grip strength, swelling and wrist pain.

4. Ganglion cyst

These cysts are non-cancerous, fluid filled lumps that form on the wrist joints and tendons. Many times, these cysts are painless, however if they put pressure on a joint or nerve they can cause numbness, tingling and pain in the wrist. This condition is not thought to be dangerous or damaging in any way but can cause discomfort.

5. Repetitive movements

One of the most common reasons that people develop pain in their wrists is due to repetitive motions. Movements that cause the hands to do the same things, even simply staying in the same position for a prolonged period can have damaging effects on the wrist, such as driving for too long!

How can Chiropractic care help?

At your first visit, your Chiropractor will take a detailed medical history, discuss your symptoms with you and perform a physical examination.

In some cases, x-rays may be taken to help diagnose the problem.

Your Chiropractor will then address not only the symptoms but also the root cause or your wrist pain using one or more of the most appropriate Chiropractic techniques available.

If you or someone you know is experiencing wrist pain, book an appointment with one of our fully qualified Chiropractors to ease the suffering wrist pain causes.

If you would like some further information or to speak to a member of our team please call us on: Hitchin 01462 420077 or Luton 01582 579687, alternatively e-mail us at: hitchin@healesclinics.com or [email address=”luton@healesclinics.com”