Wrist Pain Treatment in New Jersey
Wrist pain can make it hard to do everyday things such as working or playing sports. At RWJBarnabas Health, we treat a variety of wrist problems, from sudden injuries like sprains or breaks to ongoing issues like carpal tunnel syndrome. Our Orthopedics division provides customized care, delivering precise diagnoses and comprehensive treatment plans. We ensure your condition is addressed with the utmost expertise so you can return to doing what you love.
What Is Wrist Pain?
Wrist pain is discomfort or pain that you feel in your wrist, which is
the area connecting your hand to your forearm. This pain can come from
a variety of causes. Most of the time, pain in the wrist is mild and will
go away on its own with rest and at-home treatment. Visit your health
care provider if you are experiencing wrist pain that doesn’t go
away in a few days or if the pain worsens.
Types of Wrist Pain We Treat
Wrist pain can come from a variety of causes, including:
- Injuries. These can be sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments), fractures (broken bones), or strains (stretching or tearing of muscles and tendons).
- Repetitive stress. Repeating the same motions can irritate the wrist tissues, leading to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, where the nerve that travels through the wrist is pinched.
- Arthritis. A condition that causes swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Osteoarthritis is due to wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints.
- Ganglion cysts. These soft, fluid-filled cysts can develop on the wrist and may cause pain or discomfort.
- Gout. This is a type of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, sometimes affecting the wrist.
Understanding the specific cause of wrist pain is crucial for appropriate treatment. If you're experiencing persistent or severe wrist pain, it's essential to seek medical advice to get a proper diagnosis and management plan.
What Causes Wrist Pain?
Wrist pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Here's a closer look at some common causes:
- Age. Aging can lead to degeneration of joint cartilage and decreased muscle strength, increasing susceptibility to wrist pain.
- Sports participation. Wrist injuries are common in many sports, both those that involve impact and those that involve repetitive stress on the wrist. These include football, bowling, golf, gymnastics, snowboarding and tennis.
- Improper training. Inadequate warm-up or incorrect technique during physical activity can lead to joint stress and injury.
- Repetitive work. Almost any activity that involves your hands and wrists, if performed forcefully and often enough, can lead to wrist pain.
- Certain diseases. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can cause wrist joint pain, inflammation, and structural damage.
Wrist Pain Symptoms
Symptoms of pain in wrist can vary depending on the underlying cause but often include one or more of the following:
- Pain. This can range from a dull, constant ache to sharp, intense pain when the wrist is used in specific ways. The nature of the pain (sharp, dull, throbbing) can help doctors diagnose the cause.
- Swelling. This is a common response to wrist injuries such as sprains, fractures and arthritis.
- Stiffness. Difficulty moving the wrist or decreased range of motion may occur, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, often associated with arthritis.
- Numbness or tingling. These sensations, especially in the thumb, index and middle fingers, can indicate nerve compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Weakness. You might experience a loss of strength in your wrist and hand, making it difficult to hold objects or perform tasks that require gripping or pinching.
- Clicking or popping sounds. These sounds can occur during wrist movement and might indicate a ligament or cartilage injury or a problem with the bones in the wrist.
The presence and severity of these symptoms can help your health care professional determine the cause of wrist pain.
Wrist Pain Diagnosis
Health care professionals use a combination of methods to diagnose wrist pain, aiming to identify the underlying cause of the symptoms.
- X-ray. These are often the first imaging tests ordered to look for fractures, signs of osteoarthritis or changes in the alignment of the wrist bones.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and nerves, and helps diagnose ligament injuries, tendonitis and other soft tissue conditions.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan can provide more detailed images of the bones and is used when X-rays do not give enough information or for complex fractures.
- Ultrasound. This imaging test can visualize soft tissue structures in the wrist and is particularly useful for evaluating tendon problems or guiding injections.
Based on the findings from these diagnostic steps, the doctor can determine the cause of the wrist pain and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Wrist Pain Treatment in New Jersey
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Our health care professionals prioritize nonsurgical treatments for wrist pain, including:
- RICE technique. Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) are recommended.
- Immobilization. Use splints or braces.
- Anti-inflammatory medications. These alleviate pain and swelling.
Wrist Surgery
We provide ergonomic adjustments to lessen wrist strain for patients experiencing discomfort due to repetitive motions. However, when these methods are not sufficient, our orthopedic team is equipped to perform both open and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.
During wrist arthroscopy, a tiny camera is inserted into the wrist joint to visualize the Inside of the joint directly, repairing or debriding tissue as needed. Open procedures may be required to resolve issues such as various bone fractures and carpal tunnel syndrome.
To foster healing and recovery, we also embrace innovative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and other regenerative medicine techniques.
Recovery from Wrist Pain Treatment
Once we've identified the source of your wrist pain, our focus shifts to personalized treatment. We may recommend a visit to a hand specialist who can help determine next steps, or we may recommend orthopedic rehabilitation.
Our orthopedic rehab experts can design a physical therapy program for you consisting of targeted exercises designed to strengthen the wrist, enhance flexibility and improve overall function.
Recovery times can vary significantly depending on the nature and severity of the condition. While minor issues may improve within weeks, more severe injuries — particularly those requiring surgical intervention — may require several months of dedicated rehabilitation. To accommodate this, our rehabilitation programs are crafted to ensure the best possible outcomes, aiming for a rapid and effective return to your normal activities.
Expert Care for Wrist Pain
If you're dealing with wrist pain in New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health is here for you. As the state's largest academic health care system, we offer award-winning services and a team of highly skilled, board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Our facilities are equipped with the latest technology, essential for accurately diagnosing and effectively treating wrist conditions.
Don't ignore the signs of wrist pain. Prompt attention from our orthopedic specialists or hand surgeons can prevent further issues, speed recovery, and help you return to your daily activities without discomfort. Trust RWJBarnabas Health for comprehensive, top-tier care for your wrist pain.
