Does this side of your wrist hurt too? (Ulnar Wrist Pain) - Let's find out the details!

Sometimes your wrist hurts, doesn't it? Especially on the side where your little finger is. Maybe you've been working on a keyboard for a long time, lifting weights, playing a sport like cricket, or even just getting up in the morning. It can be very annoying. Today, let's talk about this wrist pain on the side of your little finger, or what doctors call 'ulnar' wrist pain.

What is this ulnar wrist pain?

Simply put, this refers to pain on the outside of your wrist, where your little finger is. The ulna is one of the two bones in your forearm. The ulna is where the bone attaches to your wrist. No matter how you turn your hand, when a doctor says, "The ulna hurts," it's easy to pinpoint the exact location.

Think about it, our wrist is not just a joint. It is an incredibly complex and very important structure with many things inside it, such as bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels . So, if even the slightest damage or injury occurs to any of these parts, this kind of pain can occur.

Why does my wrist hurt like this? Let's look at the reasons.

The causes of this pain can be divided into two main categories. One is sudden accidents and injuries. The other is slowly developing medical conditions.

What can be done to treat this pain?

The treatment you need will depend on the cause of your pain. Your doctor will determine exactly what is causing it. However, there are several commonly used treatments.

• Rest: This is the most important thing. If you have this pain while doing something, take a good break from that activity for a few days. It could be playing sports, doing housework, or doing work at the office. Giving your hand a rest gives the damaged parts time to heal.

• Icing: Wrap some ice cubes or an ice pack in a clean cloth and apply it to the area of ​​pain and swelling for 10-15 minutes several times a day. Never apply ice directly to the skin.

• Medication: You can take paracetamol or an NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac for pain and swelling. However, it is best to consult your doctor before using any medication. In some severe cases, your doctor may recommend stronger medications like corticosteroids or injections.

• Ergonomic Adjustments: If you work on a computer in an office, try adjusting your chair, desk, and keyboard slightly. Adjust these to allow you to work with your wrists straight.

• Physical Therapy: If recommended by your doctor, you can do exercises that strengthen your wrist and increase flexibility under the guidance of a physical therapist.

• Immobilization of the hand: In severe cases, a splint, brace, or plaster of Paris (cast) may be used to immobilize the hand.

• Surgery: If the above treatments do not help, or if there is a serious condition such as a broken bone or torn tendon, surgery may be necessary.

Can't this kind of pain be prevented?

Of course it is possible. By taking care of the little things, this risk can be greatly reduced.

Common safety measures

• Always wear a seatbelt when riding in a car.
• Wear appropriate safety equipment (e.g. wrist guards) when playing sports or doing risky work.
• Don't place things at home or at work where they could fall. Keep them tidy.
• Do not climb on chairs or tables to reach for things. Use a suitable tool for that purpose.

Especially for those who use computers

Most of us spend a lot of time in front of the computer these days, so it's very important to think about these things.

• Adjust the height of the keyboard so that you don't have to bend your wrists upward when you type.
• Instead of typing continuously, take a short break at least every half hour and shake your hands a little.
• Using a wrist rest for your keyboard or mouse can reduce the pressure on your wrists.

When should you definitely see a doctor?

Normal pain should subside in two to three days. However, if you have any of the symptoms below, you should definitely see a doctor.

• If you can't move your hand, wrist, or fingers.
• If you have numbness or pins and needles in your little finger, ring finger, wrist, or arm.
• If there is swelling or discoloration (blue, purple) in the wrist or hand.
• If the pain persists for more than two weeks despite home treatment.

The time it takes for this pain to heal varies depending on the cause. While a simple sprain will heal in a few weeks, a fracture can take several months to fully heal. Therefore, it is very important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

ulnar wrist pain, wrist pain, hand pain, wrist pain sinhala, TFCC tear, arthritis, wrist injury, wrist sprain