Wrist Pain Cause and Treatment

Wrist Pain Cause

Arthritis is a major wrist pain cause in many adults, but it’s not the only one. It can also be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress, or another injury. Whether you’re sedentary or actively involved in sports, wrist pain can happen to anyone. 

Let’s take a look at some common causes of wrist pain and how physical therapy can help.

Wrist Pain? These Common Causes May Be to Blame

When it comes to wrist pain, many factors may be to blame. Determining the exact cause may be difficult, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential to begin proper treatment. 

Some common causes for wrist pain may include:

• Osteoarthritis- A kind of arthritis that usually occurs in those who have injured the wrist in the past. This is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis- If you have rheumatoid arthritis, both wrists are usually affected.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)- This condition can develop when increased pressure is placed on the median nerve. A few symptoms of CTS include numbness, tingling, burning pain, and weakness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
• Ganglion Cyst- Soft tissue cysts can cause a lot of pain that can get worse or better with activity.
• Injury- Injuries, such as scaphoid fractures, can occur when falling on an outstretched hand.
• Repetitive Stress- Any repetitive wrist motion, such as hitting a tennis ball or typing, can cause inflammation of the tissues in the wrist.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Wrist Pain

If you have experienced hand and wrist pain, you know that it can negatively impact your ability to do simple day-to-day activities, like tying your shoes, opening jars or holding a cup of tea. 

But, did you know that wrist injuries are also to blame for many sports and work-place injuries? 

In fact, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report in 2016, hand and wrist injuries accounted for over 16 lost work days per 10,000 full-time workers. To put this in perspective, hand and wrist injuries ranked second only to back injuries for over 17 days – and were far greater than the days recorded for knee or shoulder injuries.

At Twin Boro, our Physical Therapists regularly care for individuals with wrist impairments, and related limitations and restrictions in typical activities.  Treatment will depend on the individual’s diagnosis and current functional ability. Physical therapy interventions may include:

• Manual Therapy 
• Joint Mobilization
• Stretching
• Exercise
• Ice
• Splinting
• Ergonomics Education
• And more.

With 51 locations throughout New Jersey, we make it easy to find a physical therapy clinic near you. Each of our locations have Physical therapists and occupational therapists who are certified hand therapists with the necessary training and expertise to treat hand patients. 

Get the treatment you need to relieve your pain. Delaying hand therapy may lead to poor healing time, reduced range of motion and even long-term disability.