Do you also suffer from wrist pain? (Wrist Pain) Let's find out exactly about this

How much work do we do with our hands throughout the day? From writing, to gardening, to using our phones, to lifting weights, our wrists are used for everything. So, if we have to work so hard, even a little pain or discomfort in our wrists, you probably know how it can affect our entire day. Most of the time, this pain subsides in a few days, but sometimes it can be a symptom of something serious. So today, let's talk about this wrist pain.

What exactly is this wristband?

Simply put, the wrist is not just a joint. It's like a small, complex machine. There's a lot going on inside this little space that helps with all the bending and twisting movements of our hand.

• Bones: The wrist is made up of many small bone fragments.
• Muscles: These muscles move the hand and fingers.
• Nerves: These nerves carry messages from the brain to the hands and carry sensations (heat, cold, pain) from the hands to the brain.
• Tendons and Ligaments: These connect bones to each other and keep the joint strong.
• Blood vessels: These supply blood to all tissues.

If any of these parts are damaged or injured, we begin to feel pain in the wrist.

Where do you feel the pain?

When a doctor asks about your pain, they will try to find out exactly where it is in your wrist. This will be a big help in diagnosing the condition.

• Ulnar wrist pain: If your wrist hurts on the side of your hand where your little finger is, it may belong to this type.
• Radial wrist pain: If your wrist hurts on the side where your thumb is, it falls into this category.

However, no matter where the pain is, the most important thing is to find the cause and treat it.

What are the main causes of wrist pain?

There is not one single cause of wrist pain, but many. We will divide these into two main categories. One is pain caused by injuries, and the other is pain caused by health conditions.

What can be done to treat this pain?

The treatment you need will depend on the cause of your pain. Sometimes, simple things you can do at home can help relieve your pain.

Things you can do at home

• Rest: Take a break from the activity that caused the pain (e.g., computer use, sports) for a few days. This will give the damaged tissues time to heal.
• Icing: Apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes several times a day. Never put ice directly on the skin. Wrap it in a thin towel and apply.
• Painkillers: You can take painkillers (NSAIDs) as directed by your doctor to reduce pain and swelling. However, avoid taking medication on your own.

Medical treatment

If home treatments don't help, your doctor may prescribe this type of treatment.

• Physical therapy: A physical therapist will teach you special exercises to strengthen your wrist and increase flexibility.
• Immobilization: You may be asked to wear a cast, splint, or brace to keep your wrist immobile.
• Medication: The doctor may inject medications such as steroids (corticosteroids) to reduce swelling.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove a lump, release a pinched nerve, set broken bones, or repair damaged tendons. This can be a simple open surgery or an arthroscopic surgery done through several small incisions.

How to prevent wrist pain?

"Prevention is better than cure," they say. So if you take care of these little things, you can reduce the risk of wrist pain.

For those who use computers:

• Lower your keyboard a little so that your wrists don't bend upward when you type.
• Instead of typing continuously, take a short break at least once an hour and give your hands a rest.
• Use a wrist rest for the keyboard and mouse.
• If possible, switch the hand that uses the mouse.

General safety instructions:

• Be sure to wear your seat belt when riding in the car.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment (e.g. wrist guards) when playing sports or doing heavy work.
• Keep your home and workplace tidy by removing things that could cause you to slip and fall.
• If you have a disability, use a walking aid (cane/walker).

When should you see a doctor?

Most of the time, wrist pain will subside within a few days. However, if you have any of the following symptoms, don't waste time and see a doctor.

• If you can't move your hand, wrist, or fingers.
• If you feel numbness with unbearable pain in your wrist or hand.
• If your wrist, hand, or fingers are swollen or discolored.
• If the pain does not subside after two weeks of starting home treatment or if the pain continues to increase.
• If your wrist is swollen and appears to be disfigured after an accident, go to a hospital ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately.

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