When you enjoy your physical activities, such as snowboarding, skiing, or skating, you may sustain a wrist injury that may temporarily immobilize you. If your wrist does not respond to self-care treatment, you can consult with Dr. Daniel Brereton in La Jolla for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What are wrist injuries?
Wrist pain is discomfort in your wrist due to underlying conditions like arthritis, repetitive stress, and carpal tunnel syndrome or injuries. Diagnosing the root cause of your pain and discomfort can be challenging, but the professional team has cutting-edge diagnostic tools for accurate diagnosis. Your wrist contains smaller joints that allow flexibility and easy movement of your hand. An injury or an underlying condition causing a wrist pan can make it difficult and painful to use your hand. Some of the wrist injuries and disorders that can cause wrist pain include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Ganglion cysts
- Tendinitis
- Fractures
- Strains and sprains
Your chances of developing wrist injuries are higher if you are a career person, engage in sports, or have a hobby that involves repetitive movements in your hands and wrists like knitting and typing.
When should you seek medical help for wrist pain?
In most cases, wrist pain improves after a few hours of rest or after taking some pain relievers. But if your pain persists or worsens after practicing home care techniques requires medical intervention. The professional team at Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho1Medical Group offers consultation services that can help you determine the underlying cause of your pain. If left untreated, you may experience complications resulting in poor healing and eventually long-term disability. You may also need medical care if the following symptoms accompany wrist pain:
- Stiffness
- Trouble holding on to objects
- A popping sound in your wrist when making sudden movements
- Numbness or weakness
- A tingling sensation in your hand
These symptoms worsen over time as the injury, or underlying medical condition progresses.
How can your doctor diagnose wrist injuries?
During your appointment, the team conducts a comprehensive physical exam and reviews your family’s medical history to diagnose the root cause of your pain. They may also enquire about your daily activities and your symptoms. They may also feel your fingers, arm, hand, and wrist for signs of a fracture or swelling. Your provider may request you to grasp small objects to determine your hand strength or ask you to extend your fingers and flex your hands. They may order MRI scans and X-rays if necessary to get more accurate information about your wrist injury.
What are the available treatments for a wrist injury?
After determining the root cause of your pain, the team may recommend several treatments to address the root cause while alleviating your pain. Your treatment plan may include:
- Anti-inflammatory injections
- Physical therapy
- Compression
- Bracing
- Immobilization
They may also recommend surgery in case of complicated injuries. Some of their surgeries include arthroscopic procedures, endoscopic carpal tunnel, and arthroscopic procedures to restore normal functioning.
Call the Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group office for more information about wrist injury treatments or book an appointment online.