Acute and chronic wrist problems can significantly limit a person's ability to enjoy everyday life. Pain, swelling, and weakness can make activities like writing and tying shoes difficult. Wrist problems are usually the result of injury, either sharp blows to the wrist or overuse of the joint. Bone fractures, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are the most common sources of wrist pain. Degenerative conditions like arthritis can also cause pain and loss of mobility in the wrist joint.
Injury-related wrist problems are classified by the structures they affect. Bone fractures in the wrist or hand are usually the result of a direct blow or an awkward fall. A fracture causes immediate pain, swelling, and stiffness, and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor can determine the severity of a break and prescribe pain medication. Most minor fractures are fixed with braces or casts, although large breaks may require surgery to fully heal.
Other common acute injuries include wrist sprains and strains. The tendons, ligaments, and cartilage in the wrist joint can be stretched or torn due to the sudden twisting motion or the pressure of lifting a heavy object. Dull aches and weakness can usually be relieved by resting and icing the joint and wearing a protective wrap when engaging in activity. Severe strains occasionally require surgery to repair the tissue again.
Many wrist problems are the result of repetitive overuse. Athletes, construction workers, and others who frequently work with their hands can experience wrist tendonitis. Overexertion causes the tendons to become irritated, inflamed and swollen. The result is chronic pain, finger weakness, and wrist swelling. Tendinitis can usually be relieved by avoiding the cause of the stress and often by freezing the joint. A severe or persistent case of tendonitis should be reported to a physician to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
The nerves in the wrist can also be affected by overuse. Constant pressure on the median nerve, an essential structure that helps control your fingers, can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience finger numbness, tingling sensations, and stabbing pain in and around the wrist joint. Treatment usually includes splinting the affected wrist and prescribing pain medication to relieve symptoms. Patients can prevent recurrent injuries by taking care not to put pressure on their wrists for prolonged periods.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a leading cause of wrist problems in people of all ages. The condition causes severe swelling of the wrist and finger joints, and can spread to other areas of the body in time. Doctors aren't sure what causes rheumatoid arthritis, and there is no reliable cure for the condition. However, the symptoms can be relieved by taking anti-inflammatory medications and exercising the wrists regularly. Surgery is recommended when arthritis disables the hands or causes constant, severe pain.