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Pain in your wrist can be extremely debilitating and discomforting. Even though it is common and can be attributed often to chronic pain syndrome – a condition characterized by persistent, long-lasting pain that extends beyond the normal healing period, there can be many other reasons as well.
Even though most cases of wrist pain are mild and go away on their own with rest and at-home treatment, sometimes you need a visit to the doctor – especially if it goes on for more than a week. “I see a lot of my patients suffering from chronic wrist pain because they think that it will settle on its own or keep popping various over-the-counter medications,” Dr. Prashant Kamble, Consultant, Orthopedics, Sir H.N Reliance Foundation Hospital told Times Now.
“Often it results in delaying the necessary treatment which leads to worsening of the issue. That is why it is important to visit the doctor in time, let them find out the exact cause, and then treat you accordingly,” he added. The doctor would classify your wrist pain based on which side of your wrist is painful
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Pain on the same side of your wrist as your ulna – one of the bones in your forearm. The ulnar side of your wrist is the side your pinkie finger is on.
Radial wrist pain
Pain on the same side of your wrist as your radius – the other bone in your forearm. The radial side of your wrist is the side your thumb is on.
A healthcare provider will diagnose and treat the cause of your wrist pain, no matter which side it is on.
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What are the possible causes of wrist pain?
According to Dr. Kamble, a few possible reasons why wrist conditions lead to chronic pain syndrome are:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed and causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the wrist and hand.
Tendinitis
Inflammation of the tendons in the wrist, often due to repetitive or overuse, can lead to chronic pain. Common types include De Quervain's tenosynovitis and flexor tendinitis.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint inflammation, degeneration, and chronic pain. osteoarthritis at the thumb basal joint is very common and one of the common causes of thumb base pain in middle-aged to elderly females.
Wrist Fractures
Even after a fracture heals, chronic pain could remain due to improper healing, post-traumatic arthritis, or nerve damage.
Ganglion Cysts
These fluid-filled sacs that form on the wrist can sometimes press on nearby nerves or tendons, causing ongoing discomfort.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Conditions resulting from repetitive stress or strain, such as those from typing or manual labour, can lead to chronic pain due to microtrauma in the wrist structures.
Ways to treat wrist pain
Doctors say the kind of treatment you would need depends on what is causing pain in your wrist. You might be able to relieve wrist pain with at-home treatments, a few of which include:
- Rest
- An ice pack or cold compress
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Ergonomic adjustments
- Physical therapy
- Immobilization by wearing a cast or splint
- Surgery