Wrist Pain Diagnosis

Wrist pain is a common problem that is found in many people today. Our wrist has a complex structure that consists of eight small bones which are connected to one another with the help of ligaments. Moreover, there are tendons that connect these bones with the wrist muscles. There are several factors that give rise to wrist joint pain.

Injuries like sprain, fractures or diseases like arthritis, ganglion cysts are the common causes of wrist pain. Nerve problems like carpal tunnel syndrome or too much of stress on the wrist are the other long term issues that give rise to such pain. Wrist pain diagnosis is essential for rectifying any of these problems.

In wrist sprain, the pain is accompanied by swelling, and both these symptoms get aggravated with the use of the wrist. The symptoms of wrist bone fracture are swelling, difficulty in wrist movements, and paleness of the skin on the wrist area. If any bone is fully broken, then deformity of the wrist can be observed.

When the pain is associated with arthritis, it gives a constant dull pain. In case of tendonitis, the pain is sharp, and inflammation of the tendons gives a swollen appearance to the wrist. The characteristics of carpal tunnel syndrome are wrist pain along with a numbness that may get extended up to the fingers.

Wrist injury diagnosis is possible by physical examination of the wrist and studying the medical history of the patient. Like the pain due to a fracture will start immediately after the injury and is a severe one. Whereas the pain, because of the strain will make you uncomfortable, but is not that severe in nature.

However, below are certain diagnosis tests to be conducted for an exact identification. 

X-rays: This is the 1st diagnosis test for wrist injury. Its important for fracture diagnosis. The image obtained with the help of X-ray radiations helps to identify the location of the bone fracture and its severity. It can also disclose the condition of osteoarthritis.

Computerized tomography (CT) Scan: In this method, X-rays of the wrist are taken from various angles and are combined to form a clear two dimensional image. Thus, the image of a CT scan provides a more detailed information on the wrist bone injury.

Bone Scan: This is a process where a little radioactive material is injected in the blood in order to highlight the fractured parts of the bone, that look brighter in the images obtained from the scanning of the bones. This process is more commonly used to detect the fractures that result from stress due to a repeated use of the wrist.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This method is used for the purpose of wrist sprain diagnosis. Here, a detailed image of the ligaments and the bones can be obtained with the help of radio waves and magnetic field. The device used to conduct wrist MRI is much smaller in size as compared to the machine which is used to conduct MRI for the whole body.

Arthroscopy: When the imaging tests do not give enough evidence that can suggest the cause behind the wrist pain, then arthoscopy is conducted to get a better idea. The procedure involves insertion of a small pencil sized instrument inside the wrist through a small surgical incision. The device is fitted with light and camera and the images taken by it can be viewed on a monitor.

Nerve Tests: This is known as electromyogram (EMG), and is done for carpal tunnel diagnosis. It consists of a electrode which is as thin as a needle, and is placed into the muscles through an insertion in order to record the electrical impulses of the wrist muscles.

The treatment for the problem of wrist pain involves pain relieving drugs which are given to reduce the pain. When the pain is accompanied by heavy swelling, then corticosteroids are injected to lower the swelling. To cure a fractured bone condition, a cast needs to be used to keep the fractured bones in a stable state.

For the protection of a wrist sprain during the healing process, splints are mostly used. If the wrist bones are badly fractured, then surgery is required. In case the carpal tunnel syndrome turns severe, then surgery may be required to relieve some amount of pressure from the median nerves of the wrist.

Wrist pain diagnosis should never be delayed, because it can lead to permanent disabilities. Once the reason behind the pain has been detected, make sure you follow the instructions given by your doctor for complete cure of the pain. Or else, the pain will recur and start bothering you all over again in the future.