There are numerous potential causes of wrist discomfort, including sprains, tendonitis, arthritis, and fractures. Others may require treatment, while some may recover with rest. It may also be a chronic condition that has the potential to result in long-term wrist discomfort.
Wrist discomfort may be acute, dull, aching, or needle-like. When you bend your wrist forward, move it backwards, place pressure on it, or rotate it to turn a doorknob, you may experience increased wrist pain.
This article explores the potential causes of wrist pain in Singapore.
Wrist Strain
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is a resilient connective tissue that regulates joint motion.
The ligaments surrounding the wrist joint serve to stabilise the position of your hand. Additionally, they permit controlled movement.
When the wrist ligaments are overstretched, a sprain occurs. The most frequent cause is collapsing onto your hand.
Symptoms of a wrist sprain include:
- Ache that comes after moving
- Inflammation around the joint
- Destruction or discoloration
- Sensations of tingling or burning
Wrist Tendonitis
Strong strands of tissue that cross the forearm are tendons. They connect the forearm muscles to the bones of the hand and fingers.
The flexor tendons located on the palm side of the hand enable the digits to grasp and hold objects. Extensor tendons on the palm side of the hand facilitate the straightening and release of the digits.
Wrist tendonitis is the inflammation of one or more of these tendons. It leads to:
- A dull, throbbing ache
- Morning rigidity
- Occasionally, modest puffiness or heat
Some individuals experience crepitus (cracking) when they move their wrists.
Carpal Tunnel Disorder
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by excessive wrist use, particularly repetitive motions. This causes inflammation and scarring.
They are capable of squeezing a nerve that passes through the wrist joint. It is known as the median nerve. This condition causes pain that is typically worse at night, along with paralysis and trembling in:
- Middle finger
- Thumb
- Index finger
- Palms
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a frequent occupational injury.
Fracture
A fracture of the wrist is a prevalent injury. It is more prevalent in individuals with fragile bones, such as those with osteoporosis.
A scaphoid fracture is a common form of wrist fracture. The scaphoid bone is found on the thumb side of the wrist. It is frequently fractured when someone falls and catches themselves with an outstretched hand.
Fracture of the scaphoid causes oedema, discomfort, and tenderness at the base of the thumb. When attempting to squeeze or grasp an object, the discomfort may worsen.
Arthritis
A variety of arthritic conditions may affect the wrist. They consist of:
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that damages and degrades joints.
- Osteoarthritis is less prevalent. “Wear and tear” rheumatism is caused by ageing or trauma.
- Sharp crystals form in the joint fluid due to gout.
Septic bacterial wrist arthritis is conceivable but uncommon. Infection of the wrist joint causes this condition.
