Protect Your Wrists: Learn About Common Injuries, Symptoms, and Solutions
Your wrists are constantly in action, whether you’re playing sports, typing at a desk, or lifting weights. The bones, muscles, and tendons in your wrists are always engaged, making them susceptible to various injuries. The wide range of motion required in many sports activities puts additional strain on your wrists. Acute injuries can occur from incidents like falls or impacts during contact sports, while chronic wrist pain often results from wear-and-tear or conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Understanding Wrist Strain and Common Injuries
Here are the most common chronic wrist injuries
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. Some people with CTS may struggle with tasks like buttoning shirts, opening jars, or using utensils due to numbness and weakness in the hands. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life if you have CTS; severe cases may require surgical intervention to relieve the pressure on the nerve.
Wrist Arthritis
Both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect the wrist, causing chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness. When conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be needed to improve function, reduce pain, and get back to living life to the fullest.
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Tears
The TFCC is a structure that supports the small bones of the wrist. Tears in this complex can cause pain, especially with twisting movements like swinging a golf club, playing tennis, kitting or simply opening a jar. Whether through sports or daily activities, TFCC tears can significantly affect both active individuals and retirees, highlighting the importance of proper wrist care and timely intervention.
De Quervain’s Tendinosis (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis)
A condition where the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become inflamed, causing pain and swelling. It commonly affects those who perform repetitive hand movements, such as gripping or twisting. If conservative treatments like splinting and corticosteroid injections are ineffective, surgery may be needed to release the constricted tendons.
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