Common Wrist Injuries and How Wrist Support Braces Help Manage Them?

The wrist is a complex joint that is crucial to our daily activities, from typing on a keyboard to lifting heavy objects. However, it is also one of the most vulnerable parts of the body and is susceptible to a variety of injuries. Common wrist injuries can range from sprains and strains to fractures and tendinitis. These injuries can be painful and affect the individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Fortunately, wrist support braces are a useful tool in managing and preventing these injuries. In this article, we will explore some of the most common wrist injuries and how wrist support braces can help manage them.

What are the common wrist injuries?

The following are considered the most common wrist injuries:

Repetitive strain injury

The repetitive strain injury of the wrists, also known as carpal tunnel syndrome, is a type of RSI that affects the wrist and hand.

Common causes of RSI of the wrist

It is caused by compression or irritation of the median nerve that runs through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This compression can be caused by repetitive use of the hands and wrists, as well as other factors such as obesity, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions.

Common symptoms of RSI of the wrist

The most common symptoms of RSI of the wrists include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers, particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. This pain and discomfort may be worse at night and may interfere with sleep. In some cases, the affected hand may feel weak or clumsy, and tasks that require fine motor skills may become difficult.

Wrist sprains

A sprained wrist occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are stretched or torn due to sudden twisting or bending motion of the wrist. The ligaments are the tough, fibrous tissues that connect bones to each other, providing stability to the joint. Sprained wrists are a common injury and can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage.

Common causes of wrist sprain

There are various causes of a sprained wrist, including falls, sports injuries, or repetitive use. Falls are the most common cause of wrist sprains, especially when one falls on an outstretched hand. Twisting the wrist unnaturally, impact injuries from activities like sports, repetitive motion injuries from activities such as typing or using hand tools, and poor conditioning or inadequate warm-up before physical activity are also common causes of sprained wrists.

Common symptoms of wrist sprains

Symptoms of a sprained wrist may vary in severity, depending on the extent of the injury. The most common symptoms of a sprained wrist include pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, weakness, and limited range of motion. In more severe cases, there may be deformity, visible bruising, or numbness and tingling in the fingers.

Wrist Tendinitis

Wrist tendinitis is a condition happening when the wrist tendons become irritated or inflamed. Tendons are fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones, and they play a critical role in the movement of the joints. Wrist tendinitis can range from a mild injury that only causes minor discomfort to a severe injury that may require immobilization or surgery.

Common causes of wrist Tendinitis

There are several common causes of wrist tendinitis. Repetitive motions that require the use of the wrist, such as typing, playing musical instruments, or performing manual labour, can cause tendinitis over time. Injuries such as falls or impacts can also lead to wrist tendinitis. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout can increase the risk of developing tendinitis.

Common symptoms of wrist tendinitis

The symptoms of wrist tendinitis may vary depending on the severity of the injury. The most common symptoms include pain, tenderness, and swelling around the affected area. Individuals with wrist tendinitis may also experience stiffness and weakness in the wrist joint, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the forearm or hand, and there may be a clicking or popping sensation in the wrist.

Wrist fracture

A fractured wrist, also known as a broken wrist, occurs when one or more bones in the wrist are broken or cracked. The wrist is made up of eight small bones that connect the hand to the forearm, and a fracture can occur in any of these bones.

Common causes of wrist fracture

The most common causes of a fractured wrist include falls, sports injuries, and car accidents. When an individual falls, they may instinctively put out their hands to break their fall, which can result in a wrist fracture. Sports injuries that involve contact, such as football or basketball, can also lead to wrist fractures. Car accidents are another common cause, as the impact of the collision can cause the wrist to bend unnaturally.

Common symptoms of wrist fracture

The symptoms of a fractured wrist can vary depending on the severity of the injury. The most common symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising around the affected area. The wrist may also be deformed or visibly out of place, and there may be difficulty moving or using the wrist. In severe cases, there may be numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand.

How do wrist braces help manage wrist injuries?

There are several ways in which wrist braces can help manage wrist injuries:

Support

Wrist braces provide support to the wrist joint by limiting its range of motion. This can help prevent further injury by preventing the wrist from moving in a way that could cause additional damage. For example, a wrist brace may be used to immobilize the wrist after a sprain or strain to allow the injured tissues to heal.

Compression

Wrist braces can apply compression to the wrist, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation. This can be particularly useful in the early stages of an injury when swelling is common. Compression can also help reduce pain by providing constant, gentle pressure on the wrist.

Stability

Wrist braces can help stabilize the wrist joint, which can be beneficial for individuals with conditions such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. By providing additional support to the wrist, a brace can help reduce the amount of stress placed on the joint during daily activities.

Protection

Wrist braces can also provide protection to the wrist by absorbing shock and distributing force. This can be important for athletes or individuals who participate in activities that place a lot of stress on the wrist, such as weightlifting or gymnastics.