Blog Post

Are you one of the 10% of Americans struggling with unexplained wrist pain?

At Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we know how disruptive wrist pain can be. Our elite team of orthopedic surgeons focus on solutions for wrist pain. From diagnosis to conservative treatments to injections, arthroscopic hand surgery, and physical therapy, we've got your wrist pain covered in Schertz, Live Oak, and San Antonio, Texas.

Because wrist pain is a common — and frustrating — problem for many patients, this month’s blog covers four of its most common causes that we treat.  

Carpal tunnel syndrome

The leading cause of wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome affects the median nerve, which is one of the main nerves providing sensations to your hand. The median nerve travels through the carpal tunnel, a narrow tunnel of bone in your wrist.

If the tissues in the carpal tunnel swell, whether due to repetitive motions, hormone fluctuations, chronic conditions, or some other cause, this can pressure the median nerve. Wrist pain, tingling, and other symptoms like numbness are common with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Wrist fractures

A fall or sudden impact can cause a wrist fracture. When people start to fall, they often instinctively reach out with their hands to break the impact. Unfortunately, this puts a huge amount of stress on the wrists and could lead to a fracture.

Wrist fractures are more common in women, particularly after menopause, because bone density decreases over time and weakens bones. In fact, the wrist bones are one of the key areas that doctors check during DEXA scans for osteoporosis. 

Wrist sprains

Your wrist has 20 ligaments that connect the bones of your carpal tunnel. The ligaments also connect the bones of your carpal tunnel to your hand and arm, playing a crucial role in almost every movement of your wrist and fingers.

Although the ligaments are quite strong, you can experience a painful sprain when they’re stretched beyond their normal limit. Wrist sprains are common sports injuries, and this injury can also happen with falls. People who make repetitive motions with their hands and wrists — for example, manual laborers — are more vulnerable to wrist sprains.​

Arthritis

The wrist joints are the most intricate joints in the human body, and when they're damaged, you can experience serious pain. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and post-traumatic arthritis affect the joints, damaging their structure and causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Solutions for wrist pain 

At Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we design personalized treatment protocols attuned to your life. Our team always takes the least invasive approach possible while focusing on maximum pain relief and a rapid return to full wrist function.

Your treatment may involve wrist bracing, physical therapy, injections, minimally invasive hand and wrist surgery, or other innovative approaches. We guide your return to full activity, giving you a clear game plan so you don't have to wonder how or when you'll recover.

If wrist pain is limiting your movement or affecting your quality of life, Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is here to help. Call the office nearest you today to schedule your consultation.