When to See a Wrist Pain Hospital Provider
If you have wrist pain that does not improve with home treatments, it may be time to see a doctor. This is especially true if your wrist pain has been causing you problems for more than a few days or if it does not seem to be improving.
When you come in for a wrist pain hospital appointment, your provider will do a thorough exam of your hand and wrist to diagnose the cause of your injury. He or she will also ask questions about your symptoms, history of injuries, and lifestyle habits that may be causing your wrist pain.
Sprains, strains and fractures are the most common types of wrist injuries. They occur when you fall or twist your wrist and stretch or tear the ligaments that hold the bones in place. A sprain or strain is often treated with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications you can buy without a prescription.
Other conditions affecting the wrist include tendonitis, ganglion cysts and arthritis. These can cause severe, chronic wrist pain and numbness in the thumb, index, middle or ring finger. Carpal tunnel syndrome is another condition that affects the wrist.
Repetitive stress is another common cause of wrist pain, especially if you perform the same movement with your wrist every day. This can include using your computer’s keyboard, driving a motorcycle or performing certain repetitive tasks at work, such as typing. 손목통증
You can help relieve your wrist pain by stretching and strengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments in your wrist. This can also reduce the pressure on nerves that run through your wrist. Depending on the type of pain you are experiencing, your doctor may recommend wrist exercises.
Splinting is one treatment option for wrist pain that involves the use of a device to immobilize your wrist. Wrist splints can be purchased from drugstores and medical supply stores. They are a good alternative to surgery and can be used for short periods of time.
X-rays and other imaging tests can be helpful in diagnosing a wrist injury. They can reveal bone fractures and other structural issues in your wrist, and can provide information on how to correct these problems.
Blood tests can also help your doctor determine the source of your wrist pain. Some types of blood tests are useful in identifying and treating conditions such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Physical therapy is an effective treatment option for wrist pain caused by a range of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. This can help reduce your wrist pain and prevent the development of these conditions in the future.
For wrist pain that is a result of arthritis, you can help relieve your symptoms by practicing flexible, strengthening exercises. These exercises can be done on your own, or you can work with a trained physical therapist.
Getting back to your normal activities as soon as possible is helpful for most people with wrist pain. You can do this by making slight adjustments to your daily routine, such as changing how you do some of the same activities that may have been causing you pain.