Wrist pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, arthritis, and repetitive stress. There are many things you can do at home to relieve wrist pain and prevent further damage.
Below are some of the things you can do to relieve wrist pain. Remember, if your symptoms do not improve with at-home care, see an orthopedic doctorfor the expert treatment of your wrist pain.
Rest Your Hand
If you have wrist pain, it is important to rest the joint as much as possible. Avoid cooking, doing housework, using your phone, and typing on your computer. These could be the very things that are making your wrist hurt. It could be overuse or something else, however, resting your affected hand could prevent the pain from worsening.
Try Cold Therapy
Applying ice to the painful area can help reduce inflammation and numb soreness temporarily. Apply ice wrapped in a towel or an ice pack to the affected hand for 20 minutes at a time. Repeat it until your condition improves.
Try Heat Therapy
Unless you are experiencing swelling following an injury, you may want to try heat therapy for added relief. Heat is a muscle relaxant and increases blood flow to your hands, which can also promote healing. You can apply a heating pad, warm compress, or take a warm bath.
Taking Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
Taking medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce inflammation and pain in the wrist. Take the medication as directed, and consult your doctor if you aren’t finding relief with these medications.
Do Wrist Stretches
Stretching your wrist can help relieve pain and improve your range of motion. To do a basic stretch, extend your arm out in front of you with your palm facing down. Use your other hand to gently pull the fingers back toward you until you feel a stretch in the wrist and forearm. Hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds and repeat it four times on each side.
Do Hand Exercises
There are several exercises that can help to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the wrist, which can reduce pain and improve function. One simple exercise is to make fists with both hands and then open them up as wide as possible for 10-15 repetitions.
Wearing a Splint or Brace
A splint or brace keeps your wrist stabilized and prevents excessive movement that can worsen your symptoms. Some find that it prevents pain while performing activities that put stress on the joint to help stabilize it and take some of the pressure off of the injured tissues.
If your symptoms are severe or do not improve with home treatment, see an orthopedic doctor for additional options that can provide lasting relief, such as corticosteroid injections or surgery.
Why Do I Have Wrist Pain?
There are many reasons why someone might experience wrist pain. One common reason is carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when pressure on the median nerve in your wrist causes symptoms like tingling, numbness, and weakness in your hand and fingers. Another cause of wrist pain could be due to arthritis – both osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) and rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic inflammatory disorder). Arthritis often leads to stiffness, swelling, and joint deformity over time if not treated properly.
Wrist fractures are another potential cause of discomfort – especially if there’s an accompanying sharp pain with movement. Tendinitis, meanwhile, results from repetitive motions that put stress on tendons around joints like the wrist. This type of injury often occurs among athletes who play racquet sports or golf. However, even simple daily tasks such as typing on a computer keyboard can lead to tendonitis.
Wrist Pain Treatment in Bismarck, ND
At The Bone & Joint Center, we have three board-certified orthopedic surgeons that specialize in the treatment of upper extremity conditions – Dr. Duncan Ackerman, Dr. Brock Norrie, and Dr. Troy Pierce.
Our doctors offer the latest treatments for wrist pain that can give you much-needed relief from symptoms. We will assess your condition and determine what is the underlying reason for your pain, so we can give personalized recommendations on how to prevent it from recurring.
We are proud to offer the best in orthopedic care in North Dakota. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650 or use our convenient online request form.
