Pain in the wrist and hand can occur for any number of reasons, and the treatment often depends on the source of the pain. Treatments for pain in the wrist and hand include rest, ice, medications, and therapy. In some cases, treatment may involve surgery to relieve the pain.
There are some common causes of pain in the wrist and hand. Broken or fractured bones, damaged ligament or tendons, and arthritis are just a few of the common causes of pain in the region. Other cause of pain in the wrist and hand include conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and ganglion cysts.
Rest is often the first recommendation to help ease pain. This entails keeping the hand and wrist area in a secure position, often with the help of a splint or compression bandage. The duration of rest will coincide with the severity of the injury and pain.
Icing the injured area can help provide pain relief as well. Ice helps reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with the injury or disease. This reduction in swelling and inflammation will help ease the pain and will also numb the area in general to further alleviate pain and discomfort. Icing should be done in 20 minute intervals with a towel placed between the ice and skin to prevent injury to the delicate skin.
Various medications can help relieve pain in the wrist and hand. Anti-inflammatory medication and pain relievers can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. This can include over-the-counter products such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen or prescription pain relief medication. For severe pain associated with arthritic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, anti-inflammatory medication may be injected into the joint area to help relieve pain.
Therapy may prove beneficial to some patients coping with acute or chronic wrist and hand pain. This can include occupational therapy to teach new ways of completing common tasks to help alleviate pain during activity. Physical therapy may be necessary to rebuild strength and limit future pain for those recovering from surgical procedures related to the hand and wrist area.
Surgery may be recommended as a treatment option for those with various hand and wrist injuries or conditions. This can include broken bones or damaged tendons and ligaments. Other conditions which may require surgery include carpal tunnel syndrome and ganglion cysts. Once surgery is complete, some of the same pain relief measures will be suggested during the recovery phase.