How to Avoid Wrist Pain

Atlanta physician, Dr. V. K. Puppala sees patients daily who are suffering from wrist pain. Wrist pain is one of the leading causes of occupational injury in the United States according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Without treatment, many workers will not be able to hold down a job if dependent on wrist activity during work. Wrist pain is something which most of us would like to avoid, but can happen to even the healthiest among us. Wrist pain often prevents many people from going about normal activities.

Causes of Wrist Pain:

  • Sprains & Strains
  • Overuse of Wrists
  • Arthritis
  • Dislocations
  • Fracture
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Carpal Tunnel
  • Tendinitis
  • Bursitis

Overused wrists have worn down the muscular tissue through mechanical action. This wear and tear of the wrists results in the buildup of scar tissue, a process which can be very damaging as the arterial cartilage tends to wear away.

Preventative Measures for Avoiding Wrist Pain

There are plenty of precautionary methods for preventing wrist pain from developing. The first advisable step is to take calcium on a daily basis. Having stronger bones will allow for the prevention of fractures – even for those who overuse their wrists. Strengthening the hand and arm muscles through regular exercise can do plenty to help offset the damaging effects of repetitively using one’s wrists. There are plenty of stretches which can be performed in order to help build up the tissue around the wrists.

Safety Measures for Reducing Chance of Wrist Injury:

  • Avoid slips and falls
  • Distribute the force of grasping an object to the whole hand rather than a few fingers.
  • Stretch breaks from typing and other activities
  • Reducing the force and speed of hammering or other wrist-intensive activities
  • Use vibration-reducing gloves.
  • Keep the arms flat and wrists below the fingers when typing.

Treatments for Wrist Pain

A diagnosis for carpal tunnel syndrome or other forms of wrist pain is done through an electromyogram. This is a test which measures nerve impulses. Dr. Puppala may also order x-rays or an MRI in order to get a better picture for what the problem is. Conservative treatment options, in addition to carpal tunnel steroid injection, include rest, splinting, oral steroids, ultrasound, yoga, physical therapy, and ergonomic modification. Surgical intervention is reserved for severe symptoms. Dr. V. K. Puppala has been able to successfully treat many of his patients using injections combined with other conservative measures.