Causes and risk factors
Wrist pain can be caused due to various conditions. The pain can be of muscular, neurological origin or bone pain. Commonest cause of wrist pain includes carpel tunnel syndrome i.e. compression of median nerve [nerve that supplies hand and wrist]. Pain occurs due to swelling of the joint which can be due to various conditions like injury, pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, hypothyroidism, etc. Wrist pain can be cause due to sprain, strain, tendinitis, bursitis, injury to the joint, fractures and dislocations. Overuse of joint such as typing, writing, sports activities like badminton, tennis, cricket can lead to wrist pain. Arthritis of wrist joint can lead to pain. It can be rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis; psoriatic arthritis etc. gout can also lead to pain in wrist joint. It can be one of the joint pains in an illness or post illness such as chikungunya or dengue.
Clinical presentation
Wrist pain may present as pain in the joint, discomfort, numbness, tingling sensation. Patient complains of sharp, aching, burning, pain. It can be associated with tenderness, swelling and redness of the joint. There is restriction of movement. Stiffness in the joint is observed. The pain can be sudden or triggered due to some activity of the joint. Patient experiences as if the joint has fallen asleep [formication]. Swelling in the fingers can be observed. There is difficulty in holding objects, gripping or making a fist.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. X ray of the wrist joint is needed. Nerve conduction study is recommended. Electromyography is advised. Imaging studies such as MRI scan is useful for further evaluation.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause. Complete rest and immobilisation and with application of bandages, braces or splints is useful. Medicine such as NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, local corticosteroid injections are used to reduce pain. Surgical intervention will be required in case of fracture, dislocation and compressed nerve. Physiotherapy that involves stretching and strengthening exercises may be required. Therapeutic massage to loosen tight muscles and relieve cramping or spasms. Heat and cold compression will also help in managing wrist pain.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating wrist pain. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating wrist pain.
