Wrist joint pain is a discomfort in the wrist. It can be very frustrating since most of the time it affects your capacity to do your task. If you say joint pain then it often means inflammation in the joints and when that happens then it is most likely affected with arthritis since this is the most common arthritis symptoms.
There are many types of arthritis and the most common that may affect your wrist are the following – Osteoarthritis which often happens because of overuse and aging, Rheumatoid arthritis which often affects both wrist, Gout happens when your body produce too much uric acid which then forms crystal deposits in the joints instead of being excreted in the urine., and Pseudo gout is when calcium deposits in your joints specifically in the knees or wrist causes swelling, redness and pain (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Clinical guideline on wrist pain – phase I, 2002).
Treatment for wrist pain actually varies depending on the cause of the pain. Generally treatment for wrist joint pain may include the following;
Limit of Activity and Rest. Of course the first treatment would be rest and changes in the activity so as to allow the joint to rest and let the inflammation subside. It is vital though not to prolonged inactivity with your writs for it can also cause a stiff joint.
Hot and Cold Application. Heat pads and Ice packs is also one of the most common treatments for wrist pain but which one is the right one to choose, heat pads or ice packs? If your wrist is swelling and inflamed then you can apply ice packs to reduce the swelling. When the swelling subsides then you can follow it up with heat pads, if not a hot shower will do.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication. NSAIDs or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications are some of the usual prescribed medicines doctors give their patients who hast wrist pain due to arthritis and tendonitis.
Cortisone Injections. For more sever case, cortisone is given to patients to treat the inflammation and reduce wrist pain. Discuss everything with your doctor the benefits this medication bring.
Arthroscopic Wrist Surgery. In some cases surgery might be necessary and arthroscopic wrist surgery is one option that is available for people who suffer severe wrist joint pain.