I have been suffering with wrist pain for about 13 years now it started when I was 11 and I am now 24.
I have been to doctors about it but I always get the same response that there is nothing in the x rays to suggest anything is wrong. I have been told that my muscles are shorter than my bones which could contribute to the pain. I have weak grip in both of my wrists (this has been tested) and my left wrist is far more painful than my right (I am right handed!).
It is a constant dull pain down the sides of both of my wrists and I am able to pop my wrists out of joint by just moving them. When I move my wrist in a circular motion it feels like the bone is grinding and I am unable to move the wrist for around 5 minutes after due to intense pain.
I am at my wits end here and do not know what to do as I find simple tasks such as writing and typing too painful sometimes.
Posted by: Maria/MD Health Forum.com Team
The wrist is made up of eight small bones known as carpals which are connected to each other by bands of ligaments. The ligaments also connect the bones of the wrist with the forearm and the bones of the hand. If these structures are damaged, it can cause pain and may also alter your ability to use your hand and wrist. The causes of wrist pain range from repetitive injuries to diseases.
Common causes of Wrist pain:
High impact injuries can damage the ligaments and the cartilage. Falling onto your outstretched hand, for example, may strain or tear the ligaments and this may change the way the bones move together as a unit. Injuries may also result from movements that cause your wrist to twist sharply.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition characterized by the dysfunction of one of the nerves in the wrist, is also a very common cause of wrist pain. The carpal tunnel is formed by the bones and other tissues of the wrist, it protects the median nerve. The median nerve gives sensation in the thumb, and index, middle and ring fingers. Inflammation or swelling of the tissues in the carpal tunnel can bring pressure on the median nerve, and this can cause pain or numbness of some parts of the hand
Activities that require repetitive movements of the wrist is thought to contribute to a condition known as wrist tendonitis. Having wrist tendonitis may greatly affect a person’s quality of life if not effectively managed. Symptoms of wrist tendonitis include: wrist pain, swelling and tenderness of the tendon
There are diseases that affect the bones and cartilages of the wrists. One of these is wrist osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by the progressive damage and deterioration of the cartilage which cushions the bones of the wrist joint. Deterioration of the cartilage causes its smooth surface to roughen. It may also wear down completely, if this happens, the bare bones rub against each other, and this will cause a number of symptoms. A person with wrist osteoarthritis may experience stiffness, pain as well as impaired movement.
Medical history, physical exam and imaging procedures help doctors determine the cause of wrist pain. Aside from x-ray, the doctor may request for CT scan or MRI for more detailed images. Arthroscopy may be considered if the results from imaging tests remain inconclusive.
Managing wrist problems will depend on the type, location and severity of the symptoms. For mild to moderate symptoms repetitive strain injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be given. Steroid injections may also be considered for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Your doctor may also recommend wrist splinting to immobilize the wrist.
I suggest that you ask your doctor about treatment options. You may also be referred to specialists such as orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists.
This blog entry is for your general information only. I recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your own doctor.
References:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00218
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wrist-pain/DS01003
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm
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Tags: arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Pain, wrist osteoarthritis, wrist pain
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