Learn How a Hand Doctor Near You Treats This Type of Injury
If you’ve been dealing with pain, stiffness, or weakness in your wrist and suspect it’s caused by repetitive movement, now is the time to act.
Repetitive motion-related pain and discomfort is common, especially if you have a physically demanding job or spend long hours using tools and heavy equipment. The good news is that a hand doctor near you can diagnose the issue and provide relief.
After defining what repetitive wrist motion conditions are and what causes them, we’ll explore how a doctor for hand and wrist conditions can help you move and live more comfortably.
What Is a Repetitive Wrist Motion Condition?
A repetitive wrist motion condition is an injury or disorder caused by frequent use of the wrist in the same motion over time. This type of injury most commonly occurs in people whose jobs or hobbies involve repetitive hand and wrist movement, such as typing, assembly line work, or using power tools.
Repetitive motion causes the muscles, tendons, and nerves in your hand and wrist to become irritated, inflamed, or damaged. By extension, this can lead to pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, and a decreased range of motion.
Common repetitive wrist motion conditions include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Tendonitis.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
- Ganglion cysts.
If you’re experiencing pain in your hand or wrist and suspect it could be due to repetitive motion, it’s time to see a doctor for hand conditions who can properly evaluate your symptoms.
How Hand Doctors Treat Repetitive Wrist Motion Conditions
A hand doctor will begin by reviewing your symptoms, asking questions about your job or activities, and performing a physical exam. They may also use imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to get a clearer view of what’s happening in your wrist.
Depending on the severity of your condition, a doctor for hand and wrist conditions may recommend one or more treatments.
RICE Method
The RICE method is a holistic approach to healing that can help relieve swelling and pain in the early stages of a repetitive wrist motion condition. Here’s what it stands for:
- Rest: Avoid using the injured area to prevent further damage and allow healing to begin.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours to reduce swelling and numb pain.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage or wrap to apply gentle, consistent pressure, which helps control swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the injured area raised above your heart level to minimize swelling and fluid buildup, especially during the first 48 hours after injury.
Medications for Pain and Inflammation
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Your hand doctor will advise on the best medication plan for your needs.
Physical Therapy
A targeted physical therapy program can help strengthen the wrist muscles, improve flexibility, and support healing. A doctor for hand and wrist conditions may refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in hand rehabilitation, helping you safely return to your regular activities.
Splints or Braces
Wearing a wrist brace or splint helps stabilize the joint and prevent further strain. This is especially helpful if you need to continue using your hands for work while healing. A doctor for hand conditions can fit you with a brace and provide guidance on how long and when to wear it.
Injections
In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce severe inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief. These injections are directly administered into the wrist and are highly effective for managing pain in the short term.
Surgery
If non-surgical treatments don’t work, or if your repetitive motion wrist condition is advanced, surgery may be necessary as a last resort. For example, in severe carpal tunnel syndrome cases, a hand doctor may perform a surgical procedure to release pressure on the median nerve in your wrist.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Ignoring symptoms of a repetitive wrist motion condition can lead to long-term complications or permanent damage. Early diagnosis and treatment from a qualified doctor for hand conditions is essential to prevent further injury and to get you back to living a pain-free life.
Whether you’re struggling with daily work tasks, can’t enjoy your hobbies like you used to, or wake up each day with wrist pain or stiffness, finding a hand doctor near you is your first step toward lasting recovery.
Find Relief by Contacting a Hand Doctor Near You
If you’re living with wrist discomfort caused by repetitive motion, there’s no reason to keep suffering. With the help of a skilled doctor for hand and wrist conditions, you can manage your symptoms and return to an active, healthy lifestyle.
Your hands and wrists are too important to ignore, especially if you need them for work. Don’t wait — reach out to a doctor for hand conditions and take the first step toward a pain-free future.