Wrist pain is a common occurrence, and often results from an overuse injury or condition. When it is not treated, wrist pain can become chronic and severe.
It can affect your quality of life. If you are experiencing wrist pain, visit a specialist for treatment. Dignity Health orthopedic surgeons specialize in wrist pain and can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
Physical Examination
Wrist pain is one of the most common conditions affecting the hands and wrists. It can cause numbness, tingling and pain that comes and goes or worsens throughout the day or never seems to go away.
A careful physical examination is an important step in diagnosing wrist pain. The exam consists of observation, palpation, percussion and auscultation.
Patients should be asked to describe the onset, location and extent of their wrist pain. This information will help the physical examiner to focus on the area that is most tender.
The examination also involves assessing the radial and ulnar aspects of the carpus. The ulnar aspect can be assessed by palpating the wrist in maximum ulnar deviation while passively pronating and supinating the hand.
The radial side can be examined by examining the carpal bones. The radial head of the capitate is typically tender to the touch and may indicate a radial nerve entrapment. The thenar eminence, first three fingers and half of the fourth finger are common areas of muscle wasting associated with radial nerve entrapment. 손목수술병원
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests, including X-rays and MRI, help your doctor see what is going on inside your body. They also can help diagnose wrist pain and other conditions.
A wrist X-ray is one of the most common medical imaging procedures performed today. It is a quick, easy and painless test.
The test involves placing your wrist in a special position and taking pictures of the inner structures (anatomy) of your wrist with a camera called an X-ray machine. The images are sent to a doctor called a radiologist, who will interpret them.
MRI is highly accurate for diagnosing both traumatic and degenerative lesions of the TFCC [36]. It is less sensitive for ulnar-sided disc tears than radial-sided lesions, but this may be influenced by the fact that TFCC tears occur more often in the ulna.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that helps diagnose and treat wrist problems. It is a minimally invasive procedure in which a pencil-sized instrument (arthroscope) with a light and camera is inserted into the joint through a small cut in the skin.
After the arthroscope is inserted, images of the joint are taken and projected on a video monitor. Several specialized tools are then placed through different portals in the joint. These are used to perform whatever surgery is necessary.
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the joint being examined. When the procedure is finished, you will be taken to a recovery room where you are monitored until you are ready to leave.
You may have some pain, swelling, bruising and stiffness after the surgery. You can take pain medication to help ease the symptoms. You will also be given detailed wound care instructions. In most cases, people who undergo arthroscopy can go home the same day.
Surgery
Wrist pain can interfere with your quality of life. It can prevent you from doing the things you love, such as working or playing sports.
Some wrist injuries, like a sprain or strain, may respond to home treatment such as ice, rest and over-the-counter pain medications. However, if the pain doesn’t go away or worsens over a few days, you should see your doctor.
A bone fracture in the wrist can be very serious, and it often requires a specialist to properly treat it. If you have a bone break, there are certain symptoms to watch out for, including severe pain and numbness, swelling or the wrist is hard to move or grip.
A torn ligament in the wrist, called a TFCC tear, can also lead to pain and decrease movement. Surgery can repair or shave off these tears to reduce pain and improve motion. 손목결절종