Common Causes of Wrist Injury

Wrist pain can be extremely debilitating and, in some cases, require surgery. It’s a problem when the tendons, ligaments, and bones that support your wrist become aggravated or inflamed. If you’re suffering from wrist pain and have no idea what’s causing it, consider some common causes.

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What Commonly Causes Wrist Injury?

Many different things can cause wrist injury. Wrist injury is common in athletes, but it can also happen to stay-at-home moms who do a lot of laundries.

1. Sprain

A wrist sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments (which connect two or more bones). The resulting damage can include small tears in the ligaments and inflammation and pain.

2. Fracture 

Wrist fractures are common in patients who have suffered a fall or other trauma. The most common cause of wrist fracture is falling onto one’s outstretched hand, which can lead to a break in any of the bones in the wrist. 

In addition to falls, wrist fractures may also be caused by car accidents, sports injuries, or violent assaults.

3. Overuse

Overuse occurs when you exert force or pressure on a tissue for an extended period—like when you type on a keyboard without taking breaks or play video games for hours without stopping.

4. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common painful wrist injury caused by repetitive motion and pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. It causes numbness, tingling, burning, and weakness in the hand. 

5. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can cause injuries to many parts of the body, including knees, hips, hands, and wrists. It is a painful and permanent condition that generally affects people over forty. 

How to Avoid Wrist Injury?

A wrist injury can be very painful and a very big deal. It might even ruin your entire season since you won’t be able to do anything you enjoy doing. Here are a few easy tips to help you avoid injury.

1. Keep changing positions

It’s important to change positions frequently so that you don’t put consistent pressure on any one part of your wrist for too long. 

2. Use a Trackball

Try rotating it so that your thumb is pointed slightly downward toward the bottom of the ball rather than pointing straight ahead or up toward the ceiling. This will reduce pressure on your thumb and wrist.

3. Take Breaks 

Take regular breaks during which you stretch and move around. You can even take longer breaks if you are experiencing any discomfort while typing.

Wrist Injuries Must Be Taken Care of

If you have wrist injuries, it is important to seek help. Because if you keep trying to work through the pain, it could lead to further problems. Also, ensure that you know how to properly take care of your hand and wrist to prevent further injuries.

References

https://carrolltonortho.com/news-events/posts/wrist/8-ways-to-easily-treat-and-prevent-wrist-pain/

https://www.floridapainmedicine.com/blog/6-common-causes-of-wrist-pain

https://medlineplus.gov/wristinjuriesanddisorders.html