Wrist pain is a common problem that a variety of factors can cause. While carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most well-known causes of wrist pain, several other conditions can also cause pain and discomfort in the wrist.
At the North Texas Hand Center, our team of experienced hand and wrist doctors and surgeons is dedicated to helping Dallas patients find relief from wrist pain. Whether you’re experiencing acute pain from an injury or chronic pain from a degenerative condition, our team has the expertise and the latest treatments to help. Please schedule your appointment with us today, and cure your wrist pain with our experienced hand surgeons in Dallas, TX.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that happens when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand through a narrow passage called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed. The median nerve supplies feeling to the thumb, index, center, and part of the ring finger.
Symptoms of CTS can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Pain and discomfort may also be felt in the wrist and up the arm. The symptoms of CTS can be mild or severe, and they may come and go, or they may be constant.
Other causes of wrist pain include the following:
- Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, which can also affect the wrist joint. Osteoarthritis, gout, Psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid are types of arthritis.
If you have arthritis in your wrist, seeking treatment from a specialist is vital to help manage your symptoms. At the North Texas Hand Center, our team of experienced wrist surgeons in Dallas can provide you with various treatment options that can help reduce pain and inflammation and improve your joint’s mobility.
- Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that happens when a nerve in the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord becomes compressed or irritated. This can lead to hurt, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arm and hand. It is usually caused by a herniated disc, a bone spur, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) in the neck.
Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy can vary depending on which nerve is affected. Still, they often include pain that radiates from the neck down the arm, weakness in the arm and hand, and numbness or tingling in the fingers. In some cases, the symptoms can be severe and can affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities.
At the North Texas Hand Center, our team of hand surgeons in Dallas, TX, are specialized in diagnosing and treating cervical radiculopathy.
- Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy affects the peripheral nerves. It can lead to numbness, tingling, burning, pain, and weakness in the affected areas of the hands and wrists. It can have many different causes, such as diabetes, certain autoimmune diseases, infections, certain types of cancer, exposure to toxins, and certain medications. Traumatic injuries and metabolic problems can also cause peripheral nerve damage.
Symptoms can vary depending on the nerves that are affected. They may be felt in the fingers and toes and spread to the hands and feet, then the arms and legs. It is more common in older adults and can affect people of all ages. It’s common for patients to feel extreme sensitivity, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and sharp, throbbing, burning pains, among other symptoms.
Although peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be similar, peripheral neuropathy can also cause symptoms in the legs and feet. In contrast, the carpal tunnel only affects the hand and wrist.
- Sprained Wrist
A wrist sprain is an damage to the ligaments surrounding the wrist joints. These ligaments control joint movement and help stabilize the hand. A sprain occurs when the ligaments are stretched beyond their limits, resulting in a small tear or break. Common causes of wrist sprains include the following:
- Participating in sports.
- Twisting the wrist.
- Applying extreme pressure to the wrist.
- Using the hands to catch oneself from falling.
Symptoms of a sprained wrist include pain, swelling, burning or tingling sensations, bruising, weakness, and a loss of motion. Additionally, the inflammation caused by a sprained wrist can put pressure on the median nerve and lead to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Tendonitis
Hand and wrist tendonitis is a condition that affects the tendons connecting the muscles to the bones in the hand and wrist. It is caused by overuse or injury and can result in inflammation in the affected area. Activities that involve repetitive motions, such as crocheting, typing, hammering, and playing tennis or golf, can lead to wrist tendonitis. Symptoms include dull pain, morning stiffness, warmth, and mild swelling in the wrist. It’s important to note that although carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendonitis can cause pain in the hand and wrist, the latter does not cause numbness and tingling. If you are undergoing any of these symptoms, visit North Texas Hand Center for an evaluation with a hand doctor in Dallas.
Contact North Texas Hand Center Today
At North Texas Hand Center, our hand and wrist doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating wrist pain. We’ll perform a thorough examination and take any necessary images, like X-rays or MRI scans, to identify the underlying cause of your pain.
From there, we’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals. This may include rest and physical therapy, medications, or surgery if necessary. If you’re experiencing wrist pain, don’t wait to get it checked out by other wrist surgeons in Dallas. At North Texas Hand Center, we’re dedicated to helping our patients find relief from wrist pain and get back to the activities they enjoy.