Do you experience sharp pain in your wrist when you move it a certain way? If so, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition is caused by compression of the median nerve, which can lead to a number of symptoms including pain, tingling, and numbness. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 possible causes of sharp wrist pain. We will also provide tips for how to relieve the pain and prevent it from occurring again.
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What Does Sharp Pain In Wrist Mean?
It is not uncommon to experience sharp pain in the wrist. It is important to know the possible causes of sharp wrist pain so that you can get the proper treatment. But before that, understand this condition and how does it feel?
Sharp pain in the wrist is a sudden, severe pain that can make it difficult to move your hand or fingers. It can feel like a stabbing or shooting pain. So you should be aware of the possible causes of sharp wrist pain. Thus, you can manage the pain and get relief from it.
What Are The Causes Of Sharp Pain In Wrist?
There are many possible causes of sharp pain in the wrist. Some of the causes are listed below:
Arthritis
It is a common cause of wrist pain. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints, which can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness. For example, osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage between the joints breaks down.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the wrist and hand. For example, typing on a computer keyboard for long periods of time can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons, which are the tissues that attach the muscles to the bones. This can cause pain and stiffness in the affected area. It is a condition that is often seen in athletes and people who participate in repetitive motions. For instance, tennis players are susceptible to developing tendonitis in their wrists.
Fracture
A fracture is a break in the bone. This can cause sharp pain in the wrist. And this condition could be the result of an injury or a fall. For example, if you were to fall on your outstretched hand, the force of the impact could cause a fracture in the wrist.
Ganglion cysts
It is a type of mass or lump that is commonly found on the back of the wrist. It is usually not cancerous and can be treated with surgery or aspiration. For example, a study has found that surgical removal of ganglion cysts was an effective treatment for relieving pain.
Gout
This is a form of arthritis that is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body. This can lead to the formation of crystals in the joints, which can cause sharp pain. For example, gout can cause sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the joints.
Psoriatic arthritis
It is a form of arthritis that affects people who have psoriasis. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints and can also lead to changes in the nails and skin. Because of this, you might face difficulties while doing daily activities like combing your hair, holding a cup, or buttoning your shirt.
Osteoarthritis
It is a common form of arthritis that occurs as people age. The condition results when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the joints wears down over time. This can cause the bones to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Lupus
Sharp pain wrist can be caused by lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack your own tissues and organs. Lupus can affect any part of your body, including your joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and brain. In some people, lupus can cause severe pain and swell in the wrist joint.
Cervical neck compression
In rare cases, this could be a cause of sharp pain in the wrist. The nerves that travel from the neck to the arm can become compressed, causing pain and tingling in the wrist. For example, someone who has a herniated disc in their neck may experience sharp wrist pain.
All in all, these are the top 10 causes of sharp wrist pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. With the proper treatment, you can reduce or eliminate your wrist pain.
How Can You Manage Your Sharp Pain In Wrist?
When you identify the causes of your wrist pain, you can better manage it. Wrist pain can come on suddenly or gradually. It may be sharp and stabbing or a dull ache. Here are some common ways to manage your wrist pain:
Wrist splints or braces
This is one of the most common treatments for wrist pain. A splint or brace keeps your wrist in a straight, neutral position. This takes the pressure off the tendons and muscles in your forearm and wrist. It also helps to rest and heal any damaged tissue. For example, you can wear a splint at night to keep your wrist from moving during sleep.
Wrist exercises
Certain exercises can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the wrist. This may help to alleviate pain and prevent further injury. Some hand exercises that you can do at home include:
- Wrist extension: Sit with your forearm on a table and your hand hanging over the edge. Use your other hand to gently extend your wrist back as far as is comfortable. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.
- Wrist flexion: Sit with your forearm on a table and your hand hanging over the edge. Use your other hand to gently flex your wrist forward as far as is comfortable. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.
- Finger extension: Sit with your hand palm-up on a table. Gently extend each finger one at a time, then release. Repeat 10 times.
- Finger flexion: Sit with your hand palm-up on a table. Gently flex each finger one at a time, then release. Repeat 10 times.
- Thumb extension: Sit with your hand palm-up on a table. Use your other hand to gently extend your thumb away from your hand as far as is comfortable. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.
Physical therapy
This is the most way to reduce pain in your wrist. By working with a trained therapist, you can improve the range of motion in your wrist and also learn exercises to reduce pain. Some physical therapy that you can choose from is:
- Iontophoresis: This helps to reduce inflammation in your wrist by using a mild electrical current.
- Ultrasound therapy: This uses sound waves to help reduce pain and inflammation in your wrist.
- Cold laser therapy: This uses low-level lasers to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Steroid injections
If the pain is due to inflammation, a doctor may give you a steroid injection to help reduce the swelling. For example, if you have tendinitis, the doctor may inject steroids into the tendon to help relieve the pain and inflammation. This way, you can reduce your dependence on pain medications.
Painkillers
There are some simple painkillers you can take to help relieve sharp wrist pain. Commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. If the pain is severe, you may need prescription-strength medication. Because painkillers can have side effects, always follow the instructions on the label and talk to your doctor before taking them.
Nerve blocks
This can involve simply numbing the area with a local anesthetic, or temporarily “turning off” the nerve that supplies sensation to the affected area with chemical injection. This latter type of nerve block can provide longer-lasting pain relief. For example, if you have sharp wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, a nerve block can be used to help diagnose the problem and, if successful, provide temporary pain relief.
Surgery
It is possible that sharp wrist pain can be treated by surgery. This is usually the case when the pain is caused by something like a fracture or a dislocation. However, it is important to note that surgery is not always successful and can sometimes make the pain worse. So you should only consider this option if other methods have failed.
Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese practice involves the placement of thin needles into the skin at specific points. Some people believe that this can help to release blocked energy and relieve pain. It works by stimulating the nervous system and releasing endorphins, which are natural painkillers. For example, a 2012 study found that acupuncture was an effective treatment for wrist pain.
So, all in all, these are some of the possible causes of sharp wrist pain. If you are experiencing this kind of pain, it is best to consult with a doctor to find out the exact cause and get proper treatment. With the right approach, you can soon find relief and get back to your normal activities.
Conclusion
To conclude, sharp pain in the wrist can be caused by many things and it is important to pay attention to the pain in order to identify the root cause. There could be various reasons for the pain such as inflammation, carpal tunnel syndrome, or even a bone fracture. However, only a certified professional can give you a definite answer.
If you experience sharp wrist pain, it is best to seek medical help right away. There are various treatment options available depending on the cause of the pain. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can soon get relief from the pain and live a comfortable life.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
