Wrist Supports, Wraps, and Braces FAQ

Wrist pain is an extremely common complaint, and there are many common causes of this problem. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the cause. If you have wrist pain, some common causes include:

• Tendonitis
  Tendonitis is a common problem that can cause wrist pain and swelling. Wrist tendonitis is due to inflammation of the tendon sheath. Treatment of wrist pain caused by tendonitis usually does not require surgery.
• Sprain
  Wrist sprains are common injuries to the ligaments around the wrist joint. Sprains can cause problems by limiting the use of our hands.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  Carpal tunnel syndrome is the condition that results from dysfunction of one of the nerves in the wrist. In carpal tunnel syndrome the median nerve is compressed, or pinched off, as it passes through the wrist joint.
• Arthritis
  Arthritis is a problem that can cause wrist pain and difficulty performing normal activities. There are several causes of arthritis, and fortunately there are a number of treatments for wrist arthritis.
• Ganglion Cyst
  A ganglion cyst is a swelling that usually occurs over the back of the hand or wrist. These are benign, fluid-filled capsules. Ganglion cysts are not cancerous, will not spread, and while they may grow in size, they will not spread to other parts of your body.
• Fractures
  A wrist fracture is a common orthopedic injury. Patients who sustain a broken wrist may be treated in a cast, or they may need surgery for the fracture.

The treatment of wrist pain depends entirely on the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is of importatn that you understand the cause of your symptoms before starting a treatment program. If you are unsure of the severity of your condition, you should seek medical advice before beginning any treatment.

Not all treatments listed here are appropriate for every condition, but may be helpful in your situation.

• Rest: The first treatment for many common conditions that cause wrist pain is to rest the joint, and allow the inflammation to decrease. It is important to use caution when resting the joint, because prolonged immobilization can cause a stiff joint.
• Cold Therapy: Cold therapy is among the most commonly used treatment for wrist pain. Cold therapy will help minimize pain and decrease inflammation.
• Wrist Support: Support braces can help those who have either had a recent wrist sprain injury or those who tend to injure their wrists easily. These braces act as a gentle support to wrist movements. They will not prevent severe injuries, but may help you perform simple activities while rehabilitating from a wrist sprain.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications, commonly referred to as NSAIDs, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications, especially for patients with wrist pain caused by problems such as arthritis and tendonitis.
• Cortisone injections: Cortisone is a powerful medication that treats inflammation, and inflammation is a common problem in patients with wrist pain. Discuss with your doctor the possible benefits of a cortisone injection for your wrist pain condition.

When one sustains a wrist sprain, the ligaments of the wrist are stretched beyond their normal limits. A ligament is tough, fibrous tissue that controls the motion around a joint. The ligaments around the wrist joint help to stabilize the position of the hand and allow controlled motions.

Wrist sprains are graded according to the severity of the injury:

• First Degree: Mild injury, the ligaments are stretched, but no significant tearing has occurred.
• Second Degree: Moderate injury, the ligaments may be partially torn.
• Third Degree: Severe wrist sprain, the ligaments are completely torn, and there may be instability of the joint.

Wrist sprains are common injuries, especially in certain groups of people. Wrist sprains tend to occur after falls. In icy weather, wrist sprains are common as people fall to the sidewalk after slipping. Sporting activities are also common causes of wrist sprains. Sports in which wrist sprains commonly occur include football, basketball, skiing, snowboarding, rollerblading, and many other sports.

Some common symptoms of a wrist sprain include:

• Pain with movement of the wrist
• Swelling around the wrist joint
• Bruising or discoloration of the skin
• Burning or tingling sensations around the wrist