Understanding Wrist Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Effective Treatments
▫️Written by John Keller
✅ Reviewed by Dr. Jenny Hynes on July 22, 2024
Wrist injuries and conditions are common issues that can significantly impact an individual's daily life. The wrist is a complex joint crucial for various activities, from typing and writing to lifting and carrying objects. Maintaining wrist health is essential, as injuries can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life. Understanding the types of wrist injuries and conditions, as well as their causes and treatments, can help in managing and preventing these issues.
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What are wrist injuries and conditions?
Wrist injuries and conditions refer to a range of problems that can affect the bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles of the wrist. Common wrist injuries include fractures, sprains, and tendonitis, while conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis can develop over time. The wrist consists of eight small carpal bones arranged in two rows, connected by ligaments, and it plays a vital role in hand and forearm movement. Proper function of the wrist is essential for many everyday tasks, making the prevention and treatment of wrist injuries crucial.
Types of wrist injuries and conditions
DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis
DeQuervain's tenosynovitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. This condition involves the swelling of the sheath that surrounds the two tendons that control the movement of the thumb.
DeQuervain's tenosynovitis is often caused by repetitive hand or wrist movements, such as lifting a child, gardening, playing golf, or other activities that involve the thumb.
Risk factors include:
Overuse of the wrist
Inflammatory arthritis
Pregnancy, possibly due to fluid retention
Common symptoms include:
Pain and swelling near the base of the thumb
Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist when performing activities that involve grasping or pinching
A "sticking" or "stop-and-go" sensation in the thumb when moving it
Ganglion cysts
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that typically develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands. They are filled with a jelly-like fluid and can vary in size.
The exact cause of ganglion cysts is unknown, but they may develop due to joint or tendon irritation.
Risk factors include:
Repetitive wrist or hand activities
Injury to the wrist or hand
Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis
Symptoms of ganglion cysts include:
A visible lump that may change size
Pain or discomfort, especially when moving the affected joint
Weakness in the wrist if the cyst presses on a nerve
Scaphoid fracture
A scaphoid fracture is a break in the scaphoid bone, one of the small bones in the wrist. This type of fracture often occurs from a fall onto an outstretched hand.
Scaphoid fractures are typically caused by:
Falls onto an outstretched hand
Sports injuries
Car accidents
Symptoms include:
Pain and tenderness in the wrist, particularly on the thumb side
Swelling and bruising around the wrist
Difficulty gripping objects or moving the wrist
Wrist fracture
A wrist fracture refers to a break in one or more of the bones in the wrist, most commonly the radius. It can range from a simple crack to multiple breaks.
Wrist fractures are commonly caused by:
Falls onto an outstretched hand
Direct blows to the wrist
Sports injuries
Risk factors include:
Osteoporosis
Participating in high-risk activities or sports
Common symptoms include:
Severe pain and tenderness in the wrist
Swelling and bruising
Deformity of the wrist (in severe cases)
Difficulty or inability to move the wrist
Wrist sprain
A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the wrist stretch or tear. It is typically classified by the severity of the ligament damage.
Wrist sprains are often caused by:
Falling onto an outstretched hand
Sudden twisting or impact to the wrist
Sports injuries
Risk factors include:
Participating in sports or activities that involve frequent falls or impacts
Poor conditioning or flexibility
Symptoms of a wrist sprain include:
Pain and tenderness in the wrist
Swelling and bruising
A feeling of popping or tearing inside the wrist
Difficulty moving or using the wrist
Causes of wrist injuries
Wrist injuries commonly result from falls, sports activities, repetitive stress, and accidents. Falls, especially onto an outstretched hand, can cause fractures and sprains. Sports injuries often occur due to high-impact or repetitive motions. Repetitive stress from activities like typing, gardening, or lifting can lead to conditions such as DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis or tendonitis. Accidents, including car crashes or direct blows to the wrist, are also frequent causes.
Signs and symptoms of wrist injuries
General signs and symptoms
Common signs of wrist injuries include:
Pain and tenderness
Swelling and bruising
Limited motion
Weakness or numbness
Specific symptoms
DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis:
Pain and swelling near the base of the thumb
Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist
"Sticking" sensation in the thumb
Ganglion cysts:
Visible lump
Pain or discomfort
Weakness in the wrist
Scaphoid fracture:
Pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist
Swelling and bruising
Difficulty gripping objects
Wrist fracture:
Severe pain and tenderness
Swelling and bruising
Deformity in severe cases
Wrist sprain:
Pain and tenderness
Swelling and bruising
Popping or tearing sensation
Prevention of wrist injuries
Tips and strategies
To prevent wrist injuries, consider the following tips:
Use proper techniques during physical activities and sports.
Employ ergonomic tools and practices, especially for repetitive tasks.
Wear protective gear like wrist guards during high-risk activities.
Strengthen wrist and forearm muscles with regular exercises.
Take regular breaks to avoid repetitive stress.
Importance of ergonomics and protective gear
Ergonomics can reduce the strain on your wrist during activities like typing or lifting. Using protective gear such as wrist guards can prevent injuries during sports and high-impact activities. Proper technique ensures that your wrist is not subjected to undue stress.
Diagnosis of wrist injuries
Diagnosis of wrist injuries typically involves:
Physical Examination: Initial assessment of pain, swelling, and range of motion.
X-rays: Used to detect fractures and dislocations.
MRI: Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments and tendons.
Ultrasound: Can help visualize soft tissue injuries and cysts.
Treatment options for wrist injuries
Wrist injuries and conditions can be managed through various treatment options, depending on the severity and type of injury. These treatments range from non-surgical methods like rest and medications to surgical interventions when necessary.
Non-Surgical treatments
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE):
Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate pain.
Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and numb the area.
Compression: Use bandages or wraps to provide support and decrease swelling.
Elevation: Keep the wrist raised above heart level to minimize swelling.
Medications:
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgical options
Surgery may be necessary when non-surgical treatments fail or when there is a severe injury, such as:
Fractures that require alignment or stabilization
Severe ligament tears
Chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome that do not respond to conservative treatments
Physiotherapy for wrist injuries
Role of physiotherapy
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment and rehabilitation of wrist injuries. It helps in:
Reducing pain and inflammation
Restoring range of motion
Strengthening wrist muscles and improving function
Specific physiotherapy techniques and exercises
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as joint mobilization to improve wrist movement.
Stretching Exercises: To enhance flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Strengthening Exercises: Focused on the wrist and forearm muscles to restore strength.
Functional Training: Exercises that mimic daily activities to improve wrist function.
Effectiveness and benefits of physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is effective in both the recovery and prevention of wrist injuries. Benefits include:
Accelerated healing process
Reduced risk of re-injury
Improved wrist function and strength
Enhanced quality of life by enabling the return to normal activities
Conclusion
Understanding wrist injuries and conditions is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Recognizing the symptoms and causes can lead to early intervention and better outcomes. If you suspect a wrist injury, seek professional medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Physiotherapy offers significant benefits in the recovery process and helps maintain wrist health, reducing the risk of future injuries.
References:
Eschweiler, J., Li, J., Quack, V., Rath, B., Baroncini, A., Hildebrand, F., & Migliorini, F. (2022). Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Loads of the Wrist Joint. Life, 12(2), 188. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12020188
Huisstede, B. M. A., Coert, J. H., Fridén, J., & Hoogvliet, P. (2014). Consensus on a Multidisciplinary Treatment Guideline for de Quervain Disease: Results From the European HANDGUIDE Study. Physical Therapy, 94(8), 1095–1110. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20130069
Rhemrev, S. J., Ootes, D., Beeres, F. J., Meylaerts, S. A., & Schipper, I. B. (2011). Current methods of diagnosis and treatment of scaphoid fractures. International Journal of Emergency Medicine, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1865-1380-4-4
Article by
John Keller
Clinical Director | Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
John graduated as a Physiotherapist from the Auckland University of Technology with the John Morris memorial prize for outstanding clinical practise in 2003. John has since completed Post Graduate Diplomas in both Sports Medicine and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with distinction, also collecting the Searle Shield for excellence in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Reviewed by
Dr. Jenny Hynes FACP
Clinical Director | Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Jenny sat extensive examinations to be inducted as a fellow into the Australian College of Physiotherapy in 2009 and gain the title of Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, one of only a few physiotherapists in the state to have done so.