There are certain activities among our daily routines that involve unilateral stress on the hand, forearm, and wrist. These include, among others, computer use, some type of sports, playing the piano, or note-taking which resulting in a higher risk of various abnormalities in the wrist, making daily life of a person more challenging. What are these diseases, and what should we pay attention to?
The wrist, as a body region, consists of short carpal bones and serves as a crucial joint connecting the forearm and hand, associating with muscles, bones, cartilage, nerves, and ligaments. The wrist joint performs flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, as well as rotation, providing three-dimensional movement.
Fracture of the wrist bones
If the wrist is subjected to extreme stress, such as in a fall or other sports injuries, one of the bones that make it up can easily fracture. Most commonly, one of the eight small carpal bones, the scaphoid bone, is prone to breaking. One of the reasons this is particularly dangerous because initial examinations often fail to detect it.
Frequent wrist fractures can also be a sign of osteoporosis, so it is worth considering this possibility, especially for women in menopause who are at an increased risk. In cases of recurring fractures, a bone density test is recommended, which can clearly indicate the presence of osteoporosis.
Wear and Tear of Wrist Bones
Just like the in other joint bones, the process of wear and tear can occur in the bones of the wrist. Especially in jobs here the wrist is subjected to a specific type of repetitive stress, such as carpenters or those engaged in computer work, the likelihood of wear and tear increases. This disease can manifest even at a young age, particularly among manual workers or athletes involved in intensive physical activities. In cases of wear and tear, pain typically occurs on the back side of the wrist, in the middle. The joint becomes inflamed, leading to a significant reduction in gripping and grasping strength, making handwriting more challenging.
In such cases, taking cartilage-strengthening supplements, undergoing physiotherapy, using wrist supports, and taking pain relievers are recommended measures.
Tendon Sheath Inflammation in the Wrist
Tendon sheath inflammation is a disorder that comes with various discomforts, and its cause is extreme joint overuse. Similar to wear and tear, it primarily occurs when the wrist is subjected to unilateral, prolonged stress, such as frequent and extended computer use, note-taking, or playing an instrument that strains the ligaments associated with the wrist joint.
The symptoms of tendon sheath inflammation manifest on the back side of the wrist, and include:
- initially, there is a stabbing pain,
- followed by uncomfortable swelling,
- a typical popping sound above the tendon,
- sensitivity to pressure,
- a significant decrease in gripping strength in the hand.
Recommended treatments:
- start resting the affected wrist as soon as possible,
- it is advisable to immobilize with a stabilizer,
- anti-inflammatory medications may also be necessary.
Inflammation of the joint itself can be caused by autoimmune diseases. In such cases, the use of specific anti-inflammatory medications are required, which treat the underlying condition.
Wrist Tunnel Syndrome
The bones of the wrist and the connective tissue ligament above them collectively form a small “tunnel” in the joint, through which the nerves pass. If the nerve passing through is persistently compressed, it can lead to sensory disturbances and numbness in the fingers, eventually developing into strong pain radiating throughout the arm, and muscle weakness leading to the inability to grasp objects. This disease is known as wrist tunnel syndrome, which is most often among women and the elderly.
Causes of the syndrome may include:
- underactive thyroid,
- genetic predisposition,
- accumulation of joint fluid (due to inflammation),
- pregnancy,
- diabetes,
- continuous typing,
- or other activities, – possibly sport – that strain the tendons.
It is important to be aware of the underlying causes of the syndrome because with this knowledge the appropriate treatment method can be chosen.
- The affected wrist should be immobilized and rested as much as possible, using a splint or a special wrist support.
- Use of anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary.
- In some cases, surgery can be the solution, during which the nerve is released from external pressure.
- After the relief of the pain, physiotherapy is recommended.
Cysts and Ganglions
It’s not widely known, but cysts, small fluid-filled sacs, can develop in the wrist joint. The cause of their formation is unknown, and sometimes they can be self-absorbed. They can cause discomfort, mild pain, and weakness of grip.
Ganglions are capsules covered with tissue that accumulate thickened synovial fluid. It is a common phenomenon in women, and even adolescent girls. It most often appears on the back of the wrist, and its size and development process (sudden or gradual) can vary. It manifests as a protruding, elastic lump under the skin, typically movable, which may be painless, but can also be painful and tense. If large, it may interfere with the normal functioning of the joint. The exact cause of its formation is not precisely known; unilateral overuse may also be a factor.
Typically, they are treated with anti-inflammatory medications; if this therapy is not effective enough, the ganglion can be surgically removed.