Wrist Pain

Our wrists are an integral part of our everyday activities. We use them for all tasks involving our hands. It is precisely this continuous use that makes us susceptible to injuries such as RSI. RSI, or Repetitive Strain Injury, is a term that is used to refer to a host of injuries. RSI symptoms include elbow, hand and wrist pain . These are very often computer use injuries, but can be caused by any task that requires repetitive motion. DeQuervain’s Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tendonitis are three of the most common RSI conditions. To help understand how these injuries occur, it is important to understand wrist pain.

Hand and wrist pain can be caused by a variety of RSI conditions. One of the most common is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a canal that runs through the hand and wrist. It is surrounded by bone on three sides and the transverse carpal ligament on the top. Running through the carpal tunnel are the tendons that run from the muscles in the forearm, as well as the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when this median nerve becomes compressed by swelling of the tendons or other soft tissue in the carpal tunnel. When any of the contents of this canal begins to swell, it can cause the median nerve to become compressed. It is when the nerve is compressed that numbness and tingling can be present.

Wrist Tendonitis

Another common RSI that can cause severe wrist pain is Tendonitis. This condition refers to the swelling of the tendons, which are cord like structures that connect muscles to bones for the purposes of moving the joints of the body. When tendons are overused, they can sustain microscopic tears, which become inflamed. Tendonitis is typically caused by overloading the tendons in the hands and wrists through repetitive tasks such as computer use, sports and assembly line work. This is usually coupled with muscle spasms and tightness in the muscle belly due to overuse and fatigue. It can occur in any joint in the body, though the most commonly affected tendons are those in the wrist, hands and elbows.

DeQuervain’s Syndrome or Tendonitis is a type of RSI that affects the wrists. DeQuervain’s Tendonitis is brought on by irritation or swelling of the tendons found along the thumb side of the wrist. The irritation causes the sheath around the tendon to swell, changing the shape of the sheath and making it difficult for the tendons to move as they should. The pain is particularly noticeable when grasping something or making a fist.

Treating Tendonitis

If you suspect that you may have any of these RSI conditions, see your doctor. There are several treatment options available, including the use of anti-inflammatory medications, massage therapy and physical therapy.

While anti-inflammatory medications are helpful for treating the pain that accompanies RSI, they cannot be relied upon long term. Therefore, it is necessary to learn techniques that can help you prevent further injury and maintain your flexibility. Your physical therapist will help you ensure that your workstation is ergonomically correct and that you use good posture and stretches to protect your body.

RSIs are some of the most common wrist injuries. If you find that you are having regular wrist pain and mobility problems, see your doctor. He or she can help you determine the best course of treatment to relieve your pain and help you regain the comfort and mobility you’ve lost.