Wrist pain and Hand Pain is an extremely common complaint, and there are many common causes of this problem. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the cause.
Because so many factors can lead to wrist pain, diagnosing the exact cause of long-standing wrist pain sometimes can be difficult. An accurate diagnosis is crucial, however, because proper treatment depends on the cause and severity of your wrist pain.
Some Common causes of hand/wrist pain are:
- CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME – Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve which runs from the forearm into the hand becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.
- DE QUERVAIN’S STENOSING TENOSYNOVITIS – is a condition brought by irritation or inflammation of the wrist tendons at the base of the thumb.
- MALLET FINGER – Mallet finger occurs when the outermost joint of the finger is injured. With mallet finger, the tendon on the back of the finger is separated from the muscles it connects.
- TRIGGER FINGER – Trigger finger is a common disorder of the hand which causes painful snapping or locking of the fingers or thumb.
- ARTHRITIS – Osteoarthritis of the fingers and thumb is characterized as chronic and often disabling pain and stiffness of one or more joints
- HEBERDEN’S NODES – are hard or bony swellings that can develop in the distal interphalangeal joints (DIP) (the joints closest to the end of the fingers and toes).
- WRIST GANGLION CYST – is a swelling that usually occurs over the back of the hand or wrist. These are benign, fluid-filled capsules.
When do you need to call your doctor about your wrist pain?
If you are unsure of the cause of your wrist pain, or if you do not know the specific treatment recommendations for your condition, you should seek medical attention. Treatment of these conditions must be directed at the specific cause of your problem. Some signs that you should be seen by a doctor include:
- Inability to carry objects or use the arm
- Injury that causes deformity of the joint
- Wrist pain that occurs at night or while resting
- Wrist pain that persists beyond a few days
- Inability to straighten or flex the joint
- Swelling or significant bruising around the joint or forearm
- Signs of an infection, including fever, redness, warmth
- Any other unusual symptoms
Seek professional treatment now!
Hand & Wrist Specialist
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