Introduction
Wrist Pain refers to discomfort, pain or soreness in the wrist area, which may result from overuse, inflammation, or injury. It can occur suddenly (acute) or persist over time (chronic) and may affect hand movement and daily activities.
Symptoms and Causes
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Symptoms:
- Pain in the hand and fingers.
- Tingling or shock-like sensations in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger.
- Weakness in the hand and fingers, leading to a loose grip or dropping items.
Causes:
- Prolonged repetitive hand movements.
- Accidents causing wrist bruising, fractures or arthritis.
- General health issues such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or tumors around the wrist.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Symptoms:
- Difficulty moving the wrist or fingers.
- Swelling, redness and warmth at the base of the thumb.
- Pain when pressing on the tendons beneath the wrist joint next to the base of the thumb.
Causes:
- Accidents, such as falls that result in impact injuries, causing tendon damage and inflammation.
- Prolonged repetitive wrist movements, leading to inflammation.
Physical Therapy Treatments
1. Heat and Cold Therapy:
1.1. Cold Pack: Used initially after an injury to reduce swelling and pain.
1.2. Heat Pack: Helps relax tight muscles and relieve tension.
2. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS):
Reduces pain and stimulates blood circulation.
3. Ultrasound Therapy (US):
Enhances blood circulation, promotes tissue repair and alleviates pain.
4. Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS):
Reduces pain, relaxes muscles and increases muscle strength.
5. Shockwave Therapy (SWT):
Stimulates tissue repair, promotes collagen production and reduces pain.
6. High Power Laser Therapy (HPLT):
Increases blood circulation and promotes tissue repair.
7. Stretching and Exercise:
Reduces tightness and increases muscle flexibility.
8. Manual Technique:
Helps relieve muscle tension and alleviate pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be prevented?
1.1. Avoid positions that cause tingling or discomfort, such as:
1.1.1. Improper computer posture.
1.1.2. Carrying heavy bags for extended periods.
1.1.3. Lifting or moving items that are too heavy for the wrist to handle.
1.2. For chronic tingling:
1.2.1. Medication may not be sufficient.
1.2.2. Nerve assessments may be necessary to evaluate inflammation and severity.
1.2.3. If weakness or atrophy occurs, medication may not be effective and surgery might be required to prevent further atrophy or weakness.
2. How long does it take to treat wrist tendonitis?
2.1. The duration of treatment for wrist tendonitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. If the pain is chronic or complicated by underlying health issues, treatment may take longer