Wrist Pain can be one of the most annoying forms of pain to have. We do everything with our hands, and the hand bones are connected to the…wrist bones. So having mild or chronic pain of the wrist can seriously affect your ability to go about everyday life.
Even something as simple of picking up the kettle, using a mouse on a computer or using a screwdriver can cause serious discomfort and inconvenience.
And that’s why PhysioRoom has decided to offer some solutions. Our range of wrist braces and supports cover a range of conditions and ailments, so we definitely have something that can help you get on with things without having to worry about wincing in pain every time you move your wrist.
Now let’s delve in to some details and look at some possible causes of that wrist pain.
What can Cause Wrist Pain?
Wrist Arthritis
Typical signs and symptoms of Wrist Osteoarthritis include wrist pain, wrist stiffness and a loss of wrist range of movement. Because of the importance of wrist movement to hand function, Wrist Arthritis can have a serious effect on everyday activities. Wrist Arthritis occurs most commonly in people aged over 45, but can occur earlier in those people who have sustained a broken wrist or a sprained wrist that causes wrist joint instability.
The wrist is made up of a complex series of joints that are responsible for rotational, forward and back, and side to side movements of the wrist and hand.
Wrist Arthritis most often occurs following a broken wrist of either the Scaphoid bone (Scaphoid Fracture) or the Radius bone (Colles Fracture). Typically, the Scaphoid fails to heal due to its poor blood supply and a condition known as ‘Avascular Necrosis’ (breakdown of the bone due to a disruption of the blood supply to the broken Scaphoid). This breakdown of the Scaphoid causes changes in the mechanics of the wrist (this can be compared to taking an important brick out of a wall) that lead to ‘Scaphoid Non-Union Advanced Collapse’ (SNAC), where first the Styloid Tip of the Radius, then the joint between the Radius and the Scaphoid come into abnormal contact and become arthritic.
Read more about Arthritis of the wrist by clicking here!
Broken Wrist
A full break of the wrist can set you back for some time and involve a lengthy rehabilitation period, let’s look at the different types of wrist fracture.
Colles Fracture
A Colles fracture is a fracture of the Radius bone of the forearm, just above the wrist. Symptoms include a great deal of wrist pain, a “dinner fork” deformity, wrist swelling and an inability to use the wrist and hand.
The term Colles fracture originated with the Dublin doctor Abraham Colles, who first described this common type of wrist fracture in 1814.
Scaphoid Fracture
A Scaphoid fracture is the most common fracture of the wrist region. The Scaphoid is one of the eight small ‘Carpal’ bones that make up the wrist complex. These bones are arranged roughly into two rows and the Scaphoid lies partly in both of these rows.
The position of the Scaphoid makes it particularly susceptible to fracture. The fracture line is very small and can normally be described as hairline.
Capitate Fracture
A broken wrist commonly occurs following a fall on an outstretched hand. A Capitate fracture accounts for around 2% of all wrist fractures. The Capitate is one of the eight small Carpal bones that make up the wrist complex.
It is positioned in the centre of the Carpal region and is therefore quite well protected. Isolated Capitate fractures can occur but, more often, Capitate fractures occur together with fractures of another Carpal bone – the Scaphoid. These injuries usually occur following a fall onto an outstretched hand.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common cause of wrist and hand pain. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can also be characterised by pins and needles’ in the hand. The Carpal Tunnel refers to a gap in the carpal (wrist) bones through which muscles, blood vessels and nerves pass on their way to the hand from the forearm. This anatomical space is very limited to start with and the problem of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome arises when there is swelling within this small space.
In normal circumstances the pressure within the Carpal Tunnel is less than 10mmHg, but in patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome this pressure rises to above 30mmHg due to swelling. During wrist movements in those with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome the pressure can rise to over 90mmHg.
The exact cause of swelling within the Carpal Tunnel is different in each individual although it is often associated with other medical conditions that the person may have. In various ways these medical conditions increase the pressure within the Carpal Tunnel.
As the space within the Carpal Tunnel is reduced by swelling, the Median nerve that supplies the hand can be compromised. The use of repetitive activities during work, sports, the use of vibrating tools and machinery is also thought to contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
For a more in-depth look at Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, check out our blog!
PhysioRoom Elite Snug Series Wrist Support with Adjustable Strap
The Snug wrist support with aluminium stay and gel pad is a lightweight support which helps to relieve wrist pain. The snug wrist support ensures of total comfort by providing equal compression and features an anatomical design to comfortably fit the contours of your wrist.
Suitable for daily use, the snug wrist support can be used following wrist sprains and wrist injuries as well as helping to relieve carpel tunnel syndrome, it can also be used for rehabilitation from wrist fracture and is ideal for those who wish to resume their daily activities.
Check out the PhysioRoom Elite Snug Series Wrist Support by clicking here!
Neo G Airflow Wrist & Thumb Support
Featuring multi zone compression, the Airflow wrist and thumb support by Neo G provides a snug yet flexible fit, helping to warm muscles and support the affected area during sporting and occupational activities. The breathable fabric controls moisture during intense activities, whilst providing support during movement.
The support has a slimline design to ensure total comfort under everyday clothing. It’s great for helping with strains, sprains and instability of the wrist and thumb as well as injured, weak or arthritic wrists during sporting or occupational activities.
Check out the Neo G Airflow Wrist & Thumb Support by clicking here!
PhysioRoom Elastic Wrist Strap
The PhysioRoom.com Elite Elastic Wrist Strap has been designed to manage pain caused by joint or tendon overuse in the wrist or thumb. Providing adjustable compression and support, the wrist strap has been made from heat therapeutic neoprene, which helps to provide warmth and support to muscles and joints to aid weak, injured or arthritic wrists.
The PhysioRoom.com Elite Elastic Wrist Strap can be used to help with strain caused by repetitive wrist movements such as occupational and sporting activities.
Check out the PhysioRoom Elastic Wrist Strap by clicking here!
Compex Anaform Wrist Wrap
The Compex Bionic Knee Brace allows optimal support and protection for unstable or recovering wrists as well as sprains and repetitive stress injuries.
Neoprene provides thermal compression and helps support the wrist during sports activities, it’s double wrap design allows the user adjust support and compression levels, while Wrap design ensures ease of application.
View the Compex Anaform Wrist Wrap by clicking here!
For more options, why not take a look at our full range of Wrist Braces!