Wrist pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from overuse and minor injuries to more serious underlying medical conditions. Dr. Barnard and his team are highly skilled at diagnosing and treating wrist pain through a holistic, chiropractic approach. Here are some common causes of wrist pain:
Repetitive Strain:
Activities that involve repetitive wrist movements, such as typing, playing musical instruments, or using hand tools, can lead to overuse injuries, including tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist’s carpal tunnel, becomes compressed or irritated. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the wrist and hand.
Wrist Sprains:
A wrist sprain happens when the ligaments that support the wrist are stretched or torn, typically due to a fall or sudden twisting motion.
Wrist Fractures:
A fracture (broken bone) in the wrist, such as a distal radius fracture or scaphoid fracture, can result from trauma or a fall.
Arthritis:
Various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the wrist joint, leading to pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Tendinitis:
Tendinitis is the inflammation of tendons in the wrist, often due to repetitive movements or overuse. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a specific type of wrist tendinitis.
Ganglion Cysts:
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous, fluid-filled cysts that can develop near or on the wrist joint, causing pain and discomfort.
Nerve Compression:
Apart from carpal tunnel syndrome, other nerves in the wrist can become compressed or irritated, leading to pain. Ulnar nerve compression can also affect the wrist area.