Wrist pain is no different than pain in another joint. When it flares up, daily activities are limited, and you lose some of the control you have over your movements. Sometimes soreness can last for days or weeks. Don’t let wrist pain escalate; if it doesn’t get better on its own, see a doctor.
What Causes Wrist Pain?
Pain in the wrist is usually caused by injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition you get because of repeated movements of the wrist, is one of the most common causes of wrist pain. Injury or overuse of the wrist can also lead to discomforts, like tendonitis or bursitis.
Wrist pain can also be caused by damage to the bones and ligaments that support the wrist joint. Some less common causes of wrist pain include arthritis, nerve problems, and infection.
Concerning Symptoms of Wrist Pain
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may signify a medical emergency. The sooner you see a doctor, the better.
- Severe pain that won’t go away
- The inability to move your arm
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness or paralysis
- Loss of sensation
- Swelling
- Blood or pus from a wound
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
- Unusual bumps or lumps
How Ignoring Wrist Pain Can Lead to Complications
If you’ve been experiencing wrist pain for a while, you’ll likely start ignoring the symptoms. Ignoring your pain will only make the situation worse. The muscles and tendons in your wrist joint need to be used to stay in shape. Without regular use, the muscles around the joint can tighten and become inflamed.
Wrist pain can also become a medical emergency if left untreated. Overuse injuries can lead to compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome occurs when the space around your nerves, tendons, and muscles is limited. The resulting pressure increases the risk of nerve damage or death.
What Are the Risk Factors for Wrist Pain?
You’re at a higher risk of suffering from wrist pain if you do one or more of the following:
- Work in a job that requires repetitive hand movements
- Have a job that requires you to carry or lift heavy items regularly
- Use your hands a lot, even in your non-work life
- Play a sport or have participated in sports that require a lot of hand movement
- Ever injured your wrist before
- Use your computer or smartphone a lot
When Should You See a Doctor for Wrist Pain?
The best way to deal with wrist pain is to give it the attention it needs to recover. If you’re experiencing pain, rest the affected area and avoid aggravating physical activities. If you have been experiencing wrist pain for more than a few days, or if the symptoms worsen quickly, you’ll need to see a doctor.
Depending on the cause of the pain, your doctor will decide if you’re a candidate for physical therapy, surgery, or other treatments. Wrist pain is expected, but not every day. If you’re experiencing wrist pain, don’t ignore it. Even if the symptoms are mild, it’s better to have them checked out.
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with wrist pain, it’s time to stop ignoring the symptoms and take action. Pain doesn’t have to get worse. You must speak with a specialist to get the correct diagnosis and effective treatment.
North Florida Hand and Wrist provides expertly-trained hand and wrist surgeons committed to providing patients with the absolute best care possible. We are a state-of-the-art surgical facility staffed by a team of dedicated practitioners whose primary goal is to ease any hand or wrist discomfort you may experience. If you’re looking for a wrist doctor in Jacksonville, FL, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!
