March 22, 2023 at 7:23 pm · drsahai · 0 comments
The 6 Most Common Wrist Injuries and How to Avoid Them
The wrist is a seriously intricate joint. It consists of eight small bones called carpal bones, which link up to the two forearm bones, the radius and ulna. The wrist’s nimble movements allow us to write, type, and grip, but it’s also highly susceptible to injury due to its complex structure and constant use. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 6 most common wrist injuries and how to prevent them.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a serious condition that occurs when the median nerve, running from the forearm to the hand, gets compressed at the wrist. This can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. CTS often comes about due to repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing. But fear not, you can prevent this bad boy by taking frequent breaks and doing wrist-stretching exercises.
- Wrist Sprain
Wrist sprains occur when the ligaments linking the wrist bones are stretched or torn. This can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Wrist sprains often arise from falls or sudden twists, and you can ward them off by wearing protective gear, such as wrist guards, when participating in high-risk activities or sports.
- Fracture
A wrist fracture is a broken bone in the wrist. This can be incredibly painful and may cause swelling and trouble moving the wrist. Wrist fractures often come from falls, but you can reduce your risk by taking precautions, such as wearing appropriate protective gear while performing sports and using handrails when going up and down stairs.
- Wrist Tendinitis
Tendinitis is when the tendons attaching the muscles to the wrist bones become inflamed. This can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Wrsit Tendinitis is usually caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements, but you can avoid it by taking frequent breaks and doing wrist-stretching exercises.
- Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that can develop on the wrist or hand. This can cause pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. Ganglion cysts often result from repetitive hand and wrist movements, but you can prevent them by taking breaks and doing wrist-stretching exercises.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is when the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become inflamed. This can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is often caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements, but you can avoid it by taking breaks and doing wrist-stretching exercises.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wrist is a crucial joint that plays a big role in our daily activities. But, it’s also prone to injury due to its complex structure and constant use. You can reduce your risk of the most common wrist injuries by taking protective measures, taking frequent breaks, and doing wrist-stretching exercises. Keep your wrists healthy and pain-free by following these simple tips!
References:
- “Wrist Anatomy,” American Society for Surgery of the Hand, https://www.assh.org/handcare/anatomy/wrist-anatomy
- “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603
- “Wrist Sprain,” American Society for Surgery of the Hand, https://www.assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-injuries/wrist-sprains
- “Wrist Fractures,” American Society for Surgery of the Hand, https://www.assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-injuries/wrist-fractures
- “Tendinitis,” American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/tendinitis/
- “Ganglion Cyst,” American Society for Surgery of the Hand, https://www.assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-conditions/ganglion-cyst
- “De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis,” American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/de-quervains-tenosynovitis/
Tags: carpal tunnel, common wrist injuries, ganglion cyst, wrist injuries, wrist pain, wrist tendinitis Categories: Wrist
