Wrist Injuries and Disorders

The wrist is made up of numerous separate joints, even though most people think of it as a single joint. The radius and ulna, the two forearm bones, meet the carpus, a collection of bones, to form the joints. There are eight bones in the carpus. The carpal tunnel is a tube that runs through the wrist and is made up of these eight bones as well as a band of connective tissue. It houses tendons and a nerve. An injury to any of these structures may cause wrist injuries. Make an appointment with a Dignity Health orthopedic doctor if you have any wrist symptoms. We provide professional evaluation, therapy, and rehabilitation.

Symptoms of Wrist Disorder

Pain is a common sign and symptom of wrist disorders, however, they vary depending on the individual issue. With some wrist issues, the pain may be subtle and achy, but with others, it may be acute and piercing.

Other typical signs include:

• One-sided tenderness, often known as “point tenderness”
• A stiff wrist
• Inability to fully extend the range of motion in the wrist
• Warmth and swelling at the wrist
• When you move your wrist, you may hear popping or crackling.
• When there has been a more serious injury, such as a broken wrist, the wrist may look bruised or misshapen.

Causes of Wrist Injuries

The causes of wrist problems are many.

Overuse injuries are among the most prevalent forms. Strains, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are examples of overuse injuries. These issues frequently take time to develop and are chronic (long-term).

Another persistent issue with the wrist is arthritis. However, rather than injury or overuse, arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder or by the deterioration of the joint tissues. Most wrist fractures and sprains are caused by trauma. People frequently use their wrists to catch themselves when they fall. Falling on an outstretched hand is one of the most frequent causes of wrist injuries. Because of this, the wrist bends more than the bones and ligaments can tolerate.

Types of Wrist Disorder

Typical wrist problems and wounds include:

• Arthritis Dislocation of the bone
• Sprained wrist
• Carpal tunnel syndrome with compression of the median nerve in the wrist
• Ganglion cysts, which are lumps packed with fluid and develop along tendons or joints
• Pseudo gout, an arthritic sub type
• A sprain or a strain
• Tendonitis
• Consult your physician at Dignity Health about possible treatments.

Risk factors of Wrist Injuries

Most wrist injuries are unintentional. Risk-raising elements include:

• Performing occupations that demand repeated motions, such as holding small equipment or typing,
• Playing an instrument, painting, or crocheting are examples of activities that call for repetitive wrist movement
• Playing sports, particularly racquet sports like tennis can result in wrist injuries rather regularly. Other sports like golf, soccer, football, hockey, boxing, wrestling, skiing, and weightlifting are all quite likely to cause wrist injuries.
• Having a car accident, a fall, or another form of accidental injury

Prevention of of Wrist Injuries

The majority of wrist injuries are unexpected, but there are ways to lower your risk.

Your risk of injury or re-injury can be reduced by using the proper protective equipment while playing sports and working out. Be aware of any discomfort that develops if you engage in repetitive wrist motion as part of your employment, sport, or leisure time. If it gets worse, stop right away.

To avoid wrist injuries, physical and occupational therapy is frequently beneficial. At Dignity Health, our therapists can assist you with protecting and strengthening your wrists so they are sturdy for daily activities like work and sports.