Wrist

Preventing and Treating Wrist Issues

At Orthopedic Specialists, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for all wrist injuries and conditions. As a trusted partner of Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics, we offer expert diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation services to help you regain wrist function and alleviate pain. Whether you're dealing with a sports injury, chronic wrist pain, or a recent accident, our team of orthopedic physicians and medical providers is here to support you every step of the way.

Understanding Wrist Anatomy & Health

The wrist is a complex joint consisting of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage. Together, these structures allow for the flexibility and movement required in everyday activities, from typing on a keyboard to lifting objects. However, because we use our wrists so frequently, they are vulnerable to many injuries and conditions, including sprains, fractures, tendonitis, and arthritis.

Wrist pain can present in various ways—sharp, dull, achy, or even tingling. It can be caused by anything from repetitive motion to an accident or an underlying condition like arthritis. No matter the cause, we're here to help you find relief and improve your wrist health.

Common Causes of Wrist Pain

Many factors can contribute to wrist pain, including injuries and chronic conditions. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Injuries: Falls, sports injuries, and overuse can result in sprains, fractures, or tendon strains.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, leading to pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers.
• Tendonitis: Repetitive motions can inflame the tendons in the wrist, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the wrist joint, leading to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
• Ganglion Cysts: These non-cancerous lumps can form on the back of the wrist and may cause pain or discomfort.

Symptoms to Watch For

Wrist problems can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Common symptoms include:

• Pain during movement
• Swelling or bruising around the wrist
• Decreased strength or difficulty grasping objects
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
• Difficulty using the wrist for daily tasks

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist for more than a few days, it’s important to seek professional care.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To determine the cause of your wrist pain, our healthcare providers will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include:

• A physical exam to check strength, range of motion, and specific areas of pain
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to visualize bone fractures or soft tissue damage
• Blood tests to rule out conditions like rheumatoid arthritis

Once we have a clear diagnosis, our team will recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which may include:

• Rest: Giving your wrist time to heal is often the first step in recovery.
• Ice and Compression: Applying ice and using an elastic bandage can help reduce swelling and pain.
• Physical Therapy: Our skilled therapists can help restore strength and flexibility through targeted exercises.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or cortisone injections may be used to manage pain and inflammation.
• Braces or Splints: These devices can help immobilize the wrist to allow healing and reduce stress on the joint.
• Surgery: For more severe cases, surgical options may be necessary, such as carpal tunnel release, De Quervain’s release, excision of ganglion cysts, wrist arthroplasty, tendon and nerve reconstruction, compression, and congenital reconstruction.

Preventing Wrist Injuries

Taking proactive steps can help prevent wrist injuries. Here are some tips:

• Use Proper Ergonomics: If you work at a computer, make sure your wrist is in a neutral position. Consider using wrist rests or ergonomic tools to reduce strain.
• Wear Protective Gear: For sports like rollerblading, gymnastics, or snowboarding, wrist guards can protect against injury.
• Take Breaks: If your work or hobbies involve repetitive wrist movements, take regular breaks to rest and stretch.
• Strengthen Your Wrists: Regular exercises can help build wrist strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's time to seek medical help:

• Persistent pain or swelling that doesn’t improve
• Inability to move the wrist, hand, or fingers
• Pain that worsens over time or after rest
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or wrist

Contact Us Today

At Orthopedic Specialists, one of the best orthopedic clinics in Iowa, we provide the care and expertise you need to overcome wrist pain and improve your quality of life. If you’re experiencing wrist pain or discomfort, don’t wait to seek help. Our wrist specialists can treat everything from chronic wrist pain to a sprained wrist, strained wrist, or broken wrist bones. Whether a patient needs orthopedic wrist surgery or relief from different types of arthritis, our team can provide safe and effective treatment. 

Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today, and let us help you get back to living without wrist pain.