Wrist pain

Diagnosis

Your doctor might do the following the physical examination:

• Examine your wrist for any soreness, swelling, or deformity.
• Any decrease in the range of motion when you move your wrist.
• Examine your forearm and grip strength.

Imaging tests

Imaging testing could consist of:

• X-ray. This is the most common test used for wrist pain which uses small amount of radiation to reveal bone fracture or signs of osteoarthritis.
• Computed Tomography (CT). This scan may be able to detect fractures that are invisible on X-rays and offer more detailed views of the wrist’s bones.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This examination creates finely detailed imaging of the bones and soft tissues using radio waves and a powerful magnetic field. Instead of using a whole-body MRI equipment, you might be able to place your arm into a smaller apparatus for a wrist MRI.
• Ultrasound. This non-invasive examination can be used to examine cysts, ligaments, and tendons.

Arthroscopy

You could require an arthroscopy if the outcomes of your imaging tests are insufficient. An arthroscope, a pencil-sized tool, is inserted into the wrist during this treatment through a tiny skin incision. A small camera and light are within the device, and they both project images onto a television screen. The gold standard for diagnosing persistent wrist pain is arthroscopy. Your doctor may occasionally use the arthroscope to treat wrist issues. [Text Wrapping Break]

Nerve tests

An electromyogram can be used by your doctor if carpal tunnel syndrome is thought to be present. This examination measures the minute electrical discharges that the muscles produce. When a muscle is at rest or when it is contracted, an electrode that is as thin as a needle is placed into the muscle and its electrical activity is recorded. In order to determine whether the electrical impulses are slowed in the area of the carpal tunnel, nerve conduction investigations are also carried out. [Text Wrapping Break]

Treatment

The nature, location, and severity of the injury, as well as your age and general health, all influence how your wrist problems are treated.

Medications

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are nonprescription painkillers that may ease wrist pain. By prescription, stronger painkillers are accessible. For some cases, corticosteroid injections may potentially be an option.

Therapy

For wrist injuries and tendon issues, a physical therapist can administer particular treatments and exercises. Your physical therapist can assist with recovery from surgery if you need it. An ergonomic assessment that takes into account potential workplace issues that are causing wrist pain may be beneficial for you.

It will be necessary to make a wrist reduction to parts if you have a broken wrist bone for the bone to properly align. The bone pieces can be held together while healing with the aid of a cast or splint.

You may need to wear a splint to preserve the injured tendon or ligament while it heals if you have strained or sprained your wrist. Splints can be especially beneficial for overuse injuries brought on by repetitive activities. [Text Wrapping Break]

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary in specific circumstances. Examples comprise:

• Bone fractures. In some circumstances, surgery may be required to fix bone fractures and allow for healing. The bone fragments may need to be joined together with metal devices by an orthopedist.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome. To relieve pressure on the nerve, the ligament that makes up the tunnel’s ceiling may need to be sliced open if your symptoms are severe.
• Tendon or ligament repair. Sometimes surgery is required to treat torn tendons or ligaments.