Belle Vernon Office: 4313 State Route 51 Unit Rostraver Township, PA 15012
Phone: (724) 430-4924 Fax: (724) 430-4925
Wrist Pain
Wrist Injury/Pain
Effective treatment for wrist pain
Wrist pain can manifest itself in many ways, from simple weakness to severe pain. The causes of wrist pain are just as vast. The wrist is complex and performs complex movements. Additionally, nerves, muscles, bones, and other tissues not only of the wrist itself but of the fingers, hand, forearm, elbow, upper arm, and spine can also be involved in wrist pain. Many times, wrist pain can be alleviated through noninvasive treatment options, including the drug-free and surgery-free.
Types of Wrist pain & Symptoms
If you are experiencing al problem or pain related to your wrist, the pain or other symptoms may affect the hand and fingers, as well. Sensations associated with wrist pain include:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Tiredness
- Soreness
- Stiffness
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Swelling
- Trouble moving the wrist
Causes of wrist pain Wrist pain
These can be caused by any of several different reasons. It can be caused by normal wear and tear, by overuse, by injury, through the natural aging processes or a systemic disease. If you have or presently having wrist pain, early diagnosis and treatment will avoid more serious symptoms, plus a shorter recovery. Delaying diagnosis could have adverse effects on the joint’s ability to heal as well as reduced range of motion and potential long-term disability.
Most common types of wrist pain
•Peripheral Nerve Entrapments – otherwise known as a pinched nerve, this is when a nerve becomes literally impinged or entrapped by the surrounding tissue, be that bone, muscle, tendon, or cartilage.
•Pronator Syndrome– this is a peripheral entrapment neuropathy that occurs when the median nerve of the arm becomes compressed between muscles of the forearm. It is frequently mistaken for carpal tunnel syndrome, which involves the same median nerve but with compression at the wrist rather than at the elbow. Prolonged gripping, twisting, and pronation, as in working with construction equipment, can lead to this condition.
•Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – when pressure is put on the ulnar nerve of the hand, it can cause the ring finger and pinky finger to swell and become weak or lame. Pain, numbness, and tingling in these two fingers are also symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. Though it affects these two fingers, the source of the problem is by the elbow, where the ulnar nerve gets compressed by a small bony bump on the inner elbow, the site commonly referred to as the “funny bone”.
•Carpal Tunnel Syndrome– when pressure is put on the median nerve, it can cause pain and numbness or tingling sensation in the thumb and the closest next two fingers.
•Tunnel of Guyon – this condition involves the ulnar nerve, compression is in the Guyon tunnel, a canal in the wrist through which the ulnar nerve passes into the palm of the hand and through to the ring and pinky fingers. Although this condition is like carpal tunnel syndrome, it involves an entirely different nerve. This condition is common among bikers and bicyclists.
•Radial Tunnel Syndrome – this happens when the radial nerve becomes compressed in a canal in the elbow called the radial tunnel. Symptoms of this condition are often mistaken for tennis elbow. Wrist pain caused by injury There are two types of injuries that can cause wrist pain:
Sudden impacts (such as falling from a great height) can result in fractures, sprains, strains, and contusions (bruising)
Repetitive stress injuries (such as continuous typing on a keyboard).
•Wrist Sprain / Strain – A minor injury, which can be treated with heat and ice. However, an early diagnosis before administering self-care will reassure the injury avoiding prolonged or permanent damage.
•Anterior Interosseous Syndrome – an isolated muscle weakness caused by damage to the anterior interosseous nerve. This condition can lead to partial paralysis of the forearm.
•Dorsal Impaction Syndrome – This condition is common in those engaged in weight-bearing activities that involve hyperextension, such as gymnastics and weightlifting.
•Traumatic Injuries – If the doctor finds or suspects a fracture in your wrist during examination, then he will diagnose the fracture and refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.
•Overuse and Repetitive Strain – when the muscles related to the wrist are constantly held in the same position and used in the same motion for prolonged periods. Then they become inflamed and/or compressed between other surrounding tissues, and cause any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
•Chronic repetitive gripping and twisting of the arm are particularly involved in wrist pain.
•Arthritis – Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis – can be associated with wrist pain.
Chiropractic care for wrist pain
Maddas Chiropractic & Rehab Center will consult with the patient reviewing medical history and symptoms. An examination of the area will indicate the source of the pain. Treatment may be performed; however, in some instances X-ray, MRI, or Bone Scan may be ordered. We will then address not only the symptoms but the root cause of your wrist pain using specialized chiropractic techniques. This may include adjusting the affected joint to restore proper functionality, immobilization, and cold or heat. In rare cases, orthopedic evaluation may be necessary. We will refer you to the appropriate orthopedic, physiatrist, or surgical specialist.
If you are experiencing wrist pain of any sort, it is important that you don’t delay. Call, Maddas Chiropractic & Rehab Center to schedule a consult. (724) 430-4924