Wrist Pain Treatment Specialist Q&A

Wrist pain is common, and determining the cause can sometimes be challenging. The wrist joint allows for movements such as texting and writing, and when these things become painful it can interfere with a person’s daily activities and negatively impact their quality of life. The wrist has three main joints, making it more stable than if it had only one joint, and they work together to allow for a wide range of movement. Strong bands of ligaments stabilize the wrist joint and these can also be damaged causing symptoms typically ranging from a dull ache to a sharp or stabbing pain in the wrist. Causes of wrist pain include carpal tunnel syndrome, injury or trauma to the wrist, arthritis and gout, and it is important to identify what is triggering the pain so that the treatment can be targeted and effective.

Falling on the hand is the most common cause of wrist pain and can result in a sprain or even fracture of the wrist. Repetitive movements, such as when playing tennis or golf, can stress the muscles and bones in the wrist and can lead to tendonitis (see DeQuervain’s Tendonitis). One of the most common soft tissue injuries is to the TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex), an important structure in the wrist made of tough fibrous tissue and cartilage that supports and stabilizes the joint. These injuries occur when the wrist is forced into hyperextension (forced beyond its normal range of motion) or twisting movements, especially in sports. As in any joint, arthritis can also develop in the wrist and can sometimes be the result of injury, as well as wear and tear.

Fortunately, most minor wrist conditions respond to simple measures such as rest, icing, compression, and elevation, and surgery is not always necessary. If you are experiencing persistent wrist pain, you should get it evaluated. The doctor will begin with a detailed discussion about the nature and potential causes of the pain, followed by a physical examination which usually helps to localize the injury to a specific area.

X-rays are an important diagnostic tool in assessing for a fracture or joint injury, and a magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) may be ordered to help determine if there is an injury to the carpal bones or ligaments, such as the TFCC. If the pain does not improve, arthroscopic surgery may be useful. Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure where a small camera on the end of a thin scope is inserted into the wrist through a very small incision. This procedure can serve to diagnose as well as to treat certain wrist conditions.

Non-surgical treatments for wrist pain include splinting, steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. Surgical procedures can be either the minimally invasive, or arthroscopic, option which is more appropriate for injuries such as a cartilage tear (TFCC), or more invasive, ‘open’, surgery for more severe wrist fractures. The type of injury or condition, activity level of the patient, and success rates with available techniques will be considered when deciding which route to take. We are experienced in a broad range of treatment options and will strive to relieve your problem in the gentlest way possible. If you or a loved one would like to know more about wrist pain, its causes and treatments, contact Florida Hand Center today! Call us or schedule an appointment today! We serve patients from Port Charlotte FL, Fort Myers FL, Punta Gorda FL, Cape Coral FL, Charlotte Harbor FL, Estero FL, Lake Suzy FL, Murdock FL, Harbour Heights FL, and Solana FL.