Wrist pain is something that millions suffer from. It is not fun and can be a major obstacle in completing daily activities such as brushing your teeth, changing clothes, or even turning a door handle.
Recurring wrist pain is often a result of repetitive stress injuries and inflammation of the joints. Inflammation is typically the root cause of pain. When a muscle, tendon, or ligament becomes inflamed, it presses on the surrounding nerves, leading to a painful experience.
Whether it is at home tending the garden or at work clicking away on the computer, wrist pain can make you feel useless. It is beneficial to understand the different wrist pain ailments and how they cause pain. This will make it easier to discover long-lasting relief and find out what works best for you.
1) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage created by small wrist bones. Inside this tunnel are nine tendons (used to move fingers) and the median nerve (which provides feeling to one’s fingers). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens when tissues or tendons inside this tunnel become inflamed, resulting in pressure on the median nerve.
Exercises can be done to effectively aid in reducing carpal tunnel pain. Exercises such as “Spider Push-ups On A Mirror” and “The Shake” are illustrated here: Hand Exercises
For further information: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
2) Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the inflammation of joints as a result of cartilage deterioration. This is the most common form of arthritis. The person suffering from osteoarthritis will experience stiff, painful joints, with little flexibility. One way to slow the onset of osteoarthritis is to consume anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, chia seeds, broccoli, or any of the thirteen anti-inflammatory foods in the blog below: 13 Anti-inflammatory Foods
Another way to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis is to do exercises that help maintain flexibility. Aerobic exercises such as cardio can be very beneficial to someone suffering from osteoarthritis. Physical activity can be one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis. More details on exercising with osteoarthritis can be found here: Osteoarthritis
(Source: Mayo Clinic)
3) Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to break down its own healthy tissue surrounding joints, causing inflammation. This condition can leave your hands feeling swollen and tender. This autoimmune disease can also affect a person's skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels.
If you experience persistent discomfort and swelling of the joints, it is recommended to see a doctor.
For more information:
4) Wrist Tendinitis
This ailment is when tendons in the wrist become torn and inflamed. Wrist tendinitis can cause stiffness and inflexibility in the hand a wrist, making it difficult to grip, pinch, push, pull, or accomplish everyday tasks like using a computer mouse. This tendon damage can be caused by overusing the wrist in sports, falling down or sustaining an injury, or possibly from developing arthritis. Luckily, wrist tendinitis is the least severe on the list so far. Treatment for wrist tendinitis consists of heating and cooling therapy as well as wrist movement exercises to increase flexibility.
For some great wrist tendinitis exercises, checkout this video from Doctor Jo: Wrist Exercises With Dr Jo
For further information: Causes Of Tendinitis
5) Wrist Bursitis
The small fluid-filled bursa sacs which help to cushion joints and tendons which run from the forearm to the wrist become inflamed. This can be caused by injury, arthritis, or infection of the bursa sac. The symptoms of wrist bursitis are very similar to wrist tendinitis. Pain and swelling may be present in the wrist and lower forearm. It is recommended to stay away from impact activities that may agitate the inflamed bursa sacs. Hand exercises, anti-inflammatory foods, and hot and cold treatment can also be used to help reduce the pain of wrist bursitis. If an infection is present, the use of antibiotics may be helpful.
For further information: Wrist Bursitis
Closing Thoughts
Wrist pain can be detrimental to anyone's lifestyle and cause some serious obstacles. The first thing recommended to do when you feel pain caused by inflammation is to use the acronym “R.I.C.E.” which stands for: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation(WebMD Medical Reference).
Additionally, topical pain relief creams are in abundance. Whether shopping at a local Walmart or scrolling through an endless Amazon catalog, you’re bound to come across a product claiming to “take the pain away”. Unfortunately, most of these products are loaded with heating or cooling elements (such as menthol) which are designed to numb or cover up the existing pain. These products can work great for short term relief of sore muscles or as a substitute for ice on a bump or bruise. Conversely, when it comes to inflammation related ailments, “short term” relief just won’t do it. One product that has taken the Amazon Marketplace by storm is a formulation called Penetrex.
CLICK HERE to learn why millions of sufferers choose Penetrex.
*The information and advice in this blog should not be a substitute for medical advice. When experiencing discomfort or pain, make an appointment with your Physician and ask about Penetrex.