The characteristics of wrist pain caused by nerve compression at the wrist are considered one of the most common diseases in middle-aged to elderly people. It results in symptoms of pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. However, if this disease is treated correctly and early, it can be completely cured. The causes of wrist pain are:
- Occupations that require constant use of the hands, such as sewing, driving, painting, writing, using vibrating tools like road drills, certain sports, playing musical instruments, typing, using a computer keyboard, wrapping items in factories, etc.
- From accidents causing wrist bruises, bone fractures, or arthritis
- From general body diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, tumors around the wrist
Most initial symptoms start with wrist pain, often worse at night than during the day. Sometimes the pain is severe enough to wake the person up in the middle of the night to shake their hand. The pain lasts for a while and then gradually subsides. If left untreated, the symptoms worsen, including numbness in the fingers, especially the index and middle fingers on the palm side. There may be a sensation of thick and heavy fingers and muscle atrophy. If left untreated for 4–5 months, the symptoms usually become constant.
This disease is found in women more than men by up to 80%. The high-risk age group is 45 years and older. Thai people have a higher chance of developing it than Europeans, and it often affects both hands, possibly simultaneously. This disease is not hereditary, but most causes are due to repetitive use of the wrist and hand over a long period.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by physical examination, nerve conduction studies of the wrist, and wrist X-rays. For treatment, if in the early stage, avoid using the affected hand, avoid lifting heavy objects, and avoid repetitive hand movements for long periods. Use a wrist support pillow during work and sleep.
How to treat
Wrist pain has different causes and severity levels in each patient. Therefore, there are several treatment methods as follows:
- Physical therapy can help relieve pain by using a wrist splint throughout the night and day
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication. If symptoms worsen with severe pain and numbness and medication does not improve the condition, an injection at the wrist area may be needed to reduce inflammation inside the wrist canal. Doctors usually do not recommend more than 3 steroid injections due to potential side effects from excessive use.
- Surgery is performed when medication and behavioral changes do not work, and in severe cases with muscle atrophy, medication treatment is usually ineffective.
Surgical methods include
- Surgery by making an open incision to cut the tendon at the front and enlarge the canal
- Arthroscopic surgery, which results in smaller wounds, faster healing, less pain, and quicker hand function recovery
How to prevent
Avoid lifting heavy objects and repetitive hand use for long periods. Exercise regularly, including wrist exercises. Also, adjust office equipment properly and appropriately. If you need to use a computer for a long time, use a wrist pad to protect the wrist bones.
