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The Agony of Wrist Pain

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11 January 2025

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5 minute read

The Agony of Wrist Pain

By Dr. Alex Lau Lian Quan

Imagine trying to navigate your day without the full use of your dominant hand. Opening a jar, typing on a keyboard, or even tying your shoelaces suddenly become daunting. While typically non-life-threatening, wrist pain can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life if not properly managed.

Whether you are an athlete, a busy parent, or someone just going about their daily routine, this injury can sideline just anyone.

Behind the wrist pain

“Wrist pain can show up in many different forms and be due to various conditions. Most often, it happens after an injury, leading to sprains in the ligaments or strains in the muscles and tendons. If the impact is strong enough, it can even result in fractures, where the bone in the wrist breaks. These fractures typically cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and limited wrist movement,” says Visiting Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon from Columbia Asia Hospital – Bintulu, Dr Alex Lau.

Many people may not realize that some occupations involving repetitive motions or overuse of the wrist can also lead to wrist pain. This condition, known as repetitive strain injury, can cause issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis. Symptoms include dull or sharp pain, swelling, and sometimes numbness or tingling.

The breaking point of wrist fractures

“Fractures can happen for many reasons, whether it’s from an accident or just a simple misstep. One of the most common causes of wrist fractures is falling onto an outstretched hand. I see this quite often, especially when people slip, trip, or lose their balance suddenly during sports or everyday activities,” says Dr Alex. Road traffic accidents are undeniably a major cause of wrist fractures too. The direct impact from a collision can result in significant injury to the wrist.

“High-impact sports or activities with sudden movements and collisions can put you at risk of wrist fractures. For example, skiing accidents, football tackles, or gymnastics falls. And if you are older, things like osteoporosis can make your bones much more fragile, so even a minor trauma or everyday activity can lead to a fracture. It is always a good idea to be cautious and take preventive measures to protect your bones,” adds Dr Alex. There are also certain medical conditions, such as bone tumors or infections, that can weaken bones and make them more susceptible to fractures.

Watch out for these risk factors!

According to Dr. Alex, occupations that require repetitive movements or heavy use of the hands and wrists, like assembly line work, typing, and manual labor, can put you at a higher risk of wrist pain. Similarly, athletes and those involved in sports or activities with high-impact or repetitive wrist movements, such as tennis, golf, or gymnastics, are also more susceptible to wrist pain.

“As our workload increases, I have also noticed that many people are experiencing wrist pain from repetitive stress. Whether it is from constant use of phones and tablets, long hours at the computer, or heavy lifting, these activities can gradually take a toll on our wrists,” says Dr Alex. “Additionally, improper ergonomic setup at workstations or during activities can strain the wrists and contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders,” elaborates Dr Alex.

Is my wrist pain serious?

“To distinguish between mild and severe wrist pain, we need to look at a few key factors. Mild pain often feels like a dull ache or occasional soreness that you can manage without much trouble. It usually does not disrupt your daily activities too much. On the other hand, severe pain is much more intense—it can be sharp, throbbing, or even stabbing. This level of pain can really impact your ability to move and perform everyday tasks, sometimes making even simple actions with your hand or wrist quite challenging,” shares Dr Alex.

From ache to ease

When it comes to treating wrist pain, both surgical and non-surgical options are considered based on the cause and severity of the condition. For example, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is used for complex fractures, while benign tumors or cysts may require surgical excision. In cases of severe arthritis or trauma, wrist fusion (arthrodesis) can be an option to reduce pain. The choice of treatment depends on factors like the specific diagnosis, the extent of damage, the patient’s overall health, and their functional goals.

Non-surgical treatments focus on reducing pain, improving function, and promoting healing. Rest and activity modification, such as using ergonomic tools, can help minimize wrist strain. In cases of trauma, immobilizing the wrist with a splint or cast can stabilize the joint. Physiotherapy, which includes exercises to enhance range of motion, strength, and flexibility, along with modalities like heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, can also be effective in alleviating pain. Finally, education on joint protection and self-management strategies is essential for long-term recovery and injury prevention.

Minimizing re-injury risks

It is really important to follow medical advice closely during your recovery to minimize the risk of re-injury. Stick to the treatment plan recommended, which may include rest, splinting, medications, and rehabilitation exercises.

“I know it can be tempting to jump back into your regular activities, but please avoid rushing it. Gradually increase your activity level, guided by your healthcare provider or physiotherapist. If recommended, wear a wrist brace or support during activities to help stabilize the joint and prevent excessive strain,” reminds Dr Alex.

“Ergonomic adjustments are crucial on the path to recovery. It is essential to make sure that your workstations, tools, and equipment are designed to reduce wrist strain. Everyone’s recovery journey is different, so just keep in touch with your healthcare professionals throughout the process,” adds Dr Alex.

8 tips to prevent wrist pain

  1. Maintain proper ergonomics at the workplace by using ergonomic keyboard, ergonomic mouse, and wrist rests.

    2. Warm up wrists and hands with gentle stretches before repetitive activities, and take breaks to rest and stretch after prolonged use.

    3. Use proper techniques when carrying heavy objects, such as:

    · Bend your knees, not your back

    · Keep the object close to your body

    · Keep your back straight

    · Keep your feet shoulder width apart

    · Ensure a firm grip on the object

    · Face forward, do not bend your neck

    4. Wear protective gear during sports or activities.

    5. Seek medical advice if experiencing persistent or worsening wrist pain.

    6. Schedule older adults for regular bone density screenings for older adults.

    7. Preserve bone density by eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in regular weight-bearing exercises, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.

    8. Ensure proper lighting, use handrails, and remove tripping hazards at home to prevent falls.

This article first appeared in New Sarawak Tribune on January 11, 2025.

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11 January 2025

•

5 minute read

The Agony of Wrist Pain

By Dr. Alex Lau Lian Quan

Dr. Alex Lau Lian Quan

Orthopedic

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