You use your wrists while accomplishing almost every task – typing on your gadgets, driving, cooking, cleaning, and even reading a book. That is why pain in your wrist can truly interfere with living normally.
Let’s talk about how to know when it is time to see a doctor for your wrist pain, and where you can go for an orthopedic evaluation and treatment.
Wrist Pain Doesn’t Subside with Rest or Ice Therapy
Various self-care strategies can help to alleviate your wrist pain. You may use a cold compress on your throbbing wrist every four hours for 20 minutes at a time. You can do this for two or three days. If it doesn’t help, see an orthopedic doctor.
You will also want to rest the area and not put any more stress on the hurting wrist. Resting your wrist can decrease inflammation and help to quell the pain.
If these techniques do not work within the first several days of the onset of your wrist pain, there may be an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Consult with your orthopedist for an accurate diagnosis and to find out the next steps you should consider in reducing the pain.
Pain Persists Even When Your Hands Are at Rest
Wrist pain usually starts after hours of continuously using your hands without resting. However, if the pain persists despite giving your wrists a break, then you should see your orthopedic doctor.
Chronic wrist pain may indicate an underlying condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome. This must be treated as soon as possible because carpal tunnel can develop into permanent disability if it is left untreated.
Reduced Range of Motion
Debilitating pain in your wrist can make it difficult or impossible for you to move your hand and wrist area. The pain may even radiate into your fingers, in which case the nerves in your wrist may be pinched. This may also cause a feeling of tingling or numbness. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Changing Levels of Pain
In the mornings, your wrist may feel stiff but only slightly painful – and as you go through the day, this pain may increase in intensity. The pain may be different on different days, when your pain levels may be the opposite: intense pain in the morning and just stiffness later in the day. See your orthopedic doctor for an assessment of your wrist pain, because the pain may still be treatable with noninvasive methods if it is caught early.
Wrist Pain Treatment in Bismarck, ND
The orthopedic doctors here at The Bone & Joint Center serve patients in multiple locations across North Dakota, and we can help you overcome wrist pain. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (800) 424-2663. You may also fill out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
