Wrist pain can be caused by various issues, from sudden trauma such as an accident or fall to chronic conditions such as repetitive stress. You can treat some wrist pain at home with ice and over-the-counter pain medication. Other conditions may require surgery to be appropriately corrected.
At Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, we can determine the cause of your wrist pain and the best treatment to eliminate your pain and prevent damage further down the road. The first step is to determine the cause of your wrist pain.
Causes of Wrist Pain
There are so many possible causes for wrist pain that it can be challenging to diagnose. Some of the most common causes include:
- Traumatic injuries such as falls or accidents
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ganglion Cysts
- Kienbock’s Disease
Diagnosis of your wrist pain begins with basic questions: Have you recently had a fall, accident, or injury? Do you have a daily task that involves repetitive motion with your wrist? Is your pain recent, or have you had it for a while? Does your pain include tingling, numbness, swelling, or loss of movement?
From there, we will use digital imaging tools to get a better look at your wrist, including x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Once we determine the cause of your wrist pain, we can provide the best treatment options for you.
Treatment for Wrist Pain
Treatment for wrist pain can vary depending on the cause of your pain. If you have a slight sprain, treatment can occur at home with ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.
If your pain persists over several days, gets worse over several hours, or is accompanied by swelling, bruising, numbness, or loss of motion, then it’s time to see a doctor for more significant treatment.
Treatment for traumatic injuries, including fractures or severe sprains, may include wearing a cast or brace. Painkillers may be recommended or prescribed.
Braces or physical therapy may be necessary for repetitive injuries or chronic wrist pain. In the most severe cases of wrist pain, you may require surgery.
Our doctors at Princeton Orthopaedic Associates will guide you through the treatment plan that is best for you. Our goal is to eliminate your pain and prevent long-term damage or loss of mobility.
