What is a Chronic Wrist Injury?

If you have been experiencing wrist pain for a longer period of time and it doesn't seem to be getting any better, you are most likely suffering from one of the many chronic wrist injuries. Chronic wrist conditions are more common than you might think and can manifest themselves in many different ways, so it is important to be aware of what is happening with your wrist and react accordingly. This short guide is here to help you learn about chronic wrist pain and easily identify your symptoms.

What Classifies as a Chronic Wrist Injury?

A chronic wrist condition can be defined as pain in the wrist that persists for over three months. It occurs over a period of time and, unlike an acute wrist injury, usually can't be traced to a single incident or cause.

The Causes for Chronic Wrist Conditions

While the outburst of the condition cannot be traced to a single point in the past, certain pre-existing or long-term difficulties can lead to chronic wrist pain. Repetitive wrist motions, common for certain sports, computer work or playing an instrument, can result in tissue inflammation or a stress fracture, leading to a chronic condition.

Some of the less common causes for developing wrist pain include complications from osteoarthritis, prior wrist breaks or tendinitis.

Which Are the Most Common Chronic Wrist Injuries?

Usually chronic wrist injuries include damaged tendons of the wrist through overuse or repetitive strain. Below is a list of some of the most common chronic wrist conditions and ways to recognise them.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Symptoms: dull ache in the wrist and forearm, tingling or burning sensation in the fingers, loss of grip strength, loss of manual dexterity)
• Wrist Tendonitis (Symptoms: pain and stiffness in the morning, tenderness when pressing in over the injured tendon, possible swelling and creaking feeling)
• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) (Symptoms: pain in the wrist, forearm and hand, either sharp or throbbing pain, possible tingling and numbness)
• Ganglion Cyst (Symptoms: small, often painless lump, swelling, pain)
• De Quervain's Tenosynovitis (Symptoms: pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist, possible creaking sensation when moving the wrist)
• Wrist Bursitis (Symptoms: pain, especially when the wrist is bent backwards, possible small lump or swelling on the top of the wrist)

What Can I Do About It?

For most of chronic wrist injuries, using a wrist support or brace during recovery will speed up the healing process and provide additional protection of the damaged area. At WristSupports.co.uk we offer a broad range of various Wrist Supports for Chronic Pain to choose from.

If, however, the pain persists or even worsens over time, you should seek medical advice.

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