Almost every task you do with your arms and hands will require using your wrists. Driving, office work, heavy lifting, and even sports can tax your wrists. Hence, taking proper care of your wrists should be a priority.
Many conditions affecting your wrists tend to be painful. Being attentive can help you access early treatment, leading to a better outcome. Read on to learn when to see a doctor for wrist pain.
Persistent or Worsening Pain
Wrist pain has a varied range of causes. However, pain that disappears quickly is unlikely to be dangerous. Pain typically indicates ongoing tissue damage, so acute problems should stop causing discomfort once they have run their course. You should see an orthopedic doctor if your pain worsens or lasts for more than a few days.
For example, you might experience wrist pain if you’ve had a long, intense workout or prolonged use of your wrist at work. Pain could indicate an acute injury, which you can typically treat with stretching and rest. The human body is durable, and the pain should subside after your acute injury is alleviated.
However, if they continue to ache even after rest, stretching, and home remedies, it could indicate long-lasting damage. At that point, it would be best to see a doctor for your wrist pain.
On the other hand, chronic conditions represent ongoing processes that continue to cause tissue damage. Your body may not be able to repair the affected areas, resulting in persistent pain. In such cases, intervention by an orthopedic doctor is crucial for complete recovery.
Neurological Problems
Another red flag for wrist health is painful tingling or wrist weakness. The sensation may feel like moving pins and needles, and it might span across the length of your arm. These symptoms may indicate neurological problems.
A common cause of persistent tingling is carpal tunnel syndrome. CPS is a chronic condition in which the median nerve in your wrist becomes pinched or compressed due to the swelling of nearby tissues. The nerve gets irritated, leading to neurological problems.
Neurological problems like carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen with time. If you suspect that your wrist pain is nerve-related, you should consult an orthopedic doctor promptly.
Significant Inflammation
Pain and inflammation often come hand in hand, as they are natural responses to tissue damage. Any persistent inflammation coming with wrist pain can be an indicator of severe tissue damage. Look out for unusual redness and swelling on your hands and arms, particularly near the joints.
Arthritis is one condition that warrants a visit to the doctor. There are many forms of arthritis, with many of them progressively worsening with time. Being on the lookout for pain and inflammation can assist in early detection and treatment. Arthritis is a degenerative disease, so the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances for a positive outcome.
Loss of Strength and Flexibility
Finally, any loss in wrist functionality warrants a visit to your doctor. Losing grip strength or being unable to use your hands for daily activities is a cause for concern.
Scheduling a medical consultation can help your doctor diagnose your problems and recommend appropriate treatment as soon as possible. With early treatment of the underlying condition, patients usually recover most, if not all, of their wrist function.
Wrist Pain Treatment in North Dakota
Wrist pain can be an early warning sign of certain underlying health conditions. Be on the lookout for pain that lasts for more than a few days, persists or worsens even after home treatment, or is accompanied by neurological symptoms. If the pain also leads to loss of wrist function, it is time to visit an orthopedic center.
With offices in Bismarck and ten other locations in North Dakota, The Bone & Joint Center specializes in state-of-the-art techniques for orthopedic care. Our bone & joint specialists combine procedural rigor with compassionate care to bring comprehensive healthcare services to our patients.
Learn more by calling our main office at (800) 424-2663. To schedule an appointment, you can reach our friendly staff at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650. You may also use our online form to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to helping you address your wrist pain!
