KUCHING: Wrist pain, although typically non-life-threatening, can severely impact daily activities, making simple tasks like opening a jar or typing on a keyboard daunting.
Whether caused by an injury, repetitive strain, or an underlying medical condition, wrist pain can sideline anyone.
Dr Alex Lau, a Visiting Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at Columbia Asia Hospital in Bintulu, stated that wrist pain can manifest in various forms and stem from a range of conditions.
Most commonly, it occurs following an injury, resulting in sprains of the ligaments or strains in the muscles and tendons.
“If the impact is strong enough, it can even result in fractures, where the bone in the wrist breaks. These fractures typically cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and limited wrist movement,” he said.
He added that many people may not realize that some occupations involving repetitive motions or overuse of the wrist can also lead to wrist pain. This condition, known as repetitive strain injury, can cause issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis.
Symptoms include dull or sharp pain, swelling, and sometimes numbness or tingling.
While wrist fractures are often caused by falls, particularly when individuals land on an outstretched hand, Dr. Lau explained that this is a common occurrence in everyday activities, sports, and road traffic accidents.
He said there are also certain medical conditions, such as bone tumours or infections, that can weaken bones and make them more susceptible to fractures.
“High-impact sports or activities with sudden movements and collisions can put you at risk of wrist fractures. For example, skiing accidents, football tackles, or gymnastics falls.
“And if you are older, conditions like osteoporosis can make your bones much more fragile, so even minor trauma or everyday activity can lead to a fracture.
“It is always a good idea to be cautious and take preventive measures to protect your bones,” he advised.
Dr. Lau mentioned that occupations involving repetitive wrist movements and heavy lifting are key risk factors for wrist pain. Athletes involved in sports like tennis, golf, or gymnastics are also more susceptible. As workloads increase, he has noticed that many people are experiencing wrist pain from repetitive stress.
Whether due to the constant use of phones and tablets, long hours at the computer, or heavy lifting, these activities can gradually take a toll on the wrists.
“Improper ergonomic setup at workstations or during activities can strain the wrists and contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders,” he explained.
He advised looking for key signs to distinguish between mild and severe wrist pain. Mild pain, he said, often feels like a dull ache or occasional soreness and does not significantly disrupt daily activities.
Severe pain, however, is intense, sharp, or throbbing, and can severely impact movement, making even simple tasks challenging.
Treatment for wrist pain depends on its cause and severity. Surgical options like open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) are used for complex fractures, while wrist fusion may be necessary for severe arthritis or trauma. Non-surgical treatments focus on pain relief, healing, and improving function. Rest, activity modification, and physiotherapy are common approaches.
“Ergonomic tools and immobilizing the wrist with a splint or cast can stabilize the joint and reduce strain.
“Physiotherapy, which includes exercises to enhance range of motion, strength, and flexibility, along with modalities like heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, can also be effective in alleviating pain.
“Finally, education on joint protection and self-management strategies is essential for long-term recovery and injury prevention,” he added.
Recovery from wrist pain requires patience and adherence to medical advice. Dr. Lau stressed the importance of gradual activity resumption and ergonomic adjustments during recovery.
“If recommended, wear a wrist brace or support during activities to help stabilize the joint and prevent excessive strain.
“Ergonomic adjustments are crucial on the path to recovery. It is essential to make sure that your workstations, tools, and equipment are designed to reduce wrist strain.
“Everyone’s recovery journey is different, so just keep in touch with your healthcare professionals throughout the process,” he advised.
Maintaining proper ergonomics at work is crucial to preventing wrist pain. This includes using ergonomic keyboards, mice, and wrist rests. Warming up and stretching wrists before repetitive activities, along with taking breaks to rest, can help reduce strain.
When lifting heavy objects, it’s important to bend your knees, keep the object close to your body, and maintain a firm grip to avoid unnecessary stress on the wrists.
For those engaged in sports or activities that put strain on the wrist, wearing protective gear is essential. If wrist pain persists, seeking medical advice is recommended. Regular bone density screenings for older adults can also help detect early signs of bone weakness.
Preserving bone density through a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in weight-bearing exercises, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol are important for long-term joint health.
Finally, ensuring proper lighting, using handrails, and removing tripping hazards at home can prevent falls and reduce the risk of wrist injuries.
By following these preventive measures, individuals can reduce the risk of wrist pain and ensure long-term joint health.
