Being in pain for days, weeks, or months on end can take its toll. Learn more about the persistent discomfort of chronic pain and how physical therapy Hutchinson KS can help you manage it.
Symptoms of Chronic Wrist Pain
Chronic pain persists beyond the initial injury and healing period. For some people, that means years of discomfort or limited mobility. While pain is the primary symptom, chronic wrist pain can also lead to other complications. In addition to the constant pain, you may develop some of the following symptoms:
- Anxiety, depression, or other emotional disorders
- Extreme fatigue
- Insomnia or other problems with sleeping
- Irritability and mood changes
- Loss of libido
Some people also turn to drugs or alcohol to help manage pain. This can contribute to dependency, which may interfere with relationships or your job.
Causes Of Chronic Wrist Pain
Acute wrist injuries can eventually turn into chronic pain; however, they are not the only cause. Many health conditions and lifestyle behaviors also contribute. A skilled physical therapist Wichita KS can help uncover the underlying cause of your pain so you can find appropriate treatment.
Arthritis
Arthritis is among the most common causes of joint pain. There are two main types of this disorder. The first, osteoarthritis, is characterized by wear in joint tissue. It often affects people more as they grow older but can strike at any age. Osteoarthritis is particularly common in a joint after an injury.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own joint tissue. It causes intense pain and swelling, and symptoms may subside and then flare up.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage can cause long-term pain, tingling, and discomfort. Three main nerves pass through the wrist: the median, radial, and ulnar nerves. If compromised, you will likely experience chronic pain and other complications. This type of injury can also cause you to lose normal use of your hand or fingers.
Repetitive Motions
As the name suggests, repetitive use injuries occur when you perform the same motion over and over. These are common occupational injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. many athletic injuries are also from repetitive use of a joint.
Recommendations For Living with Chronic Wrist Pain
The first step to successfully living with chronic pain is identifying its cause. Once you do that, you can begin to implement treatment strategies designed to address it. These may include a combination of the following:
- Pain medication: Medications can successfully reduce or eliminate many forms of chronic pain. Talk to your healthcare provider about over-the-counter and prescription options to see if this is a good fit for you.
- Physical therapy: The safe exercises, stretching, and manual tissue mobilization offered through PT can increase strength and range of motion while reducing pain. It offers a safe and natural way to address chronic pain.
- Surgery: For some patients, surgery is an option to repair damage that contributes to ongoing pain. Surgery is often followed by a period of PT to help you regain function.
Managing chronic pain is possible. Success typically includes identifying your symptoms, uncovering their cause, and then implementing appropriate strategies. Visit a Derby physical therapy center to find the help you need to overcome chronic pain.