Wrist Anatomy
The wrist is one of the most complex joints in the body and consists of several joints, multiple bones, and soft tissue that work together to create movement. The bones include the Proximal carpals (a row of bones closest to the forearm), and the Distal carpals (a row of bones closer to the fingers). The joints vary in type and motion, and they are the distal radioulnar joint, the radiocarpal joint, the midcarpal joint, and the carpometacarpal joints.
Suffering from Wrist Pain?
Are you experiencing discomfort when trying to open jars, type on the keyboard, or make a ball with your fist? When performing hand-intensive activities your wrist or fingers may feel stiff and you’ll notice swelling around your wrist or the base of your fingers. It could be caused by wrist tendinitis; a condition caused by the repetitive stress and overuse of the tendons connecting the muscle to the bone in the wrist.
Types of Wrist Injuries
Apart from wrist tendinitis, there are various wrist injuries, the most common include:
- Arthritis of the Wrist | Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis all affect the wrist.
- Torn Wrist Ligaments
- Scaphoid Fractures
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Wrist Tendinitis
- Ganglion Cyst
- Wrist Bursitis
- Triangular Fibrocartilage complex injury
Process for Diagnosing and Treating Wrist Injuries
When visiting your doctor you'll discuss your current symptoms in relation to your medical history and overall health.
During a physical examination, the doctor will look for any areas of tenderness and discomfort, reduced range of motion, and a change in appearance such as swelling as well as joint instability. To diagnose an underlying condition, a doctor might also imaging scans, conduct an arthroscopy, or nerve conduction studies.
Typically, invasive diagnostic techniques will only be used when rest and recovery following an injury have been unsuccessful.
Treatment options to relieve your wrist pain include rest, pain medication, physiotherapy, and steroid injections.
When Should I Call a Doctor?
Wrist injuries are perceived to be medical emergencies if you experience intense pain, notice deformity of the wrist of the forearm, the bone matter is visible through the skin, or you experience numbness in your hand or wrist.
Do you want to learn more about your wrist anatomy or discuss your symptoms and injury with an orthopedic surgeon? Booking an appointment with Dr. Jacob Spencer is just a click away
