Right wrist pain can make everyday activities difficult, especially for individuals who are right-handed. The pain can be acute or chronic and can stem from a variety of causes. Many types of wrist pain can be prevented or treated through home care, while others signal underlying disorders that must be treated by a doctor.
Causes
One common cause of pain in the right wrist is carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition in which swelling in the wrist from repetitive use compresses the median nerve. Tendinitis, also the result of repetitive motion, can also lead to right wrist pain if the tendons in that hand become inflamed. Trauma to the wrist, caused by an injury or accident can result in a fracture or sprain that brings pain to the wrist. Gout, caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the wrist joint, and pseudogout, caused by a buildup of calcium, are other potential causes. Generally, if symptoms only appear in one wrist, this is a sign that the disorder is not a systemic disease such as arthritis.
Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the specific cause of the wrist pain. The pain may be sharp and sudden, as often occurs with traumatic injury to the right wrist, or it may develop gradually, as carpal tunnel syndrome often does. Bruising and swelling often accompany pain caused by an injury to the right wrist. Gout and pseudogout often cause acute pain flare-ups in the affected wrist.
Diagnosis
According to American Family Physician, a doctor's diagnosis of the cause of wrist pain can be developed simply through a discussion of the patient's history surrounding the onset of the pain in about 70 percent of cases. If the diagnosis is more complex, the doctor may perform a physical examination of the wrist that includes moving the wrist and feeling or listening for abnormalities. Imaging the right wrist with X-rays, MRI or CT scans can provide additional information to aid in the diagnosis.
Treatment
Home care involves resting the injured wrist, putting ice on it and taking over-the-counter pain relief medication. In some cases, a doctor may recommend wearing a wrist splint to brace the wrist. In some cases, prescription medication may be required to treat the underlying condition. Other options may include an injection of corticosteroids into the wrist joint or surgery to reduce the pressure in the wrist.
Prevention
According to Medline Plus, wrist pain can often be prevented by avoiding repetitive motion of the wrist or cushioning its effects. If performing repetitive actions such as typing, applying ergonomic principles can help prevent wrist pain. This includes taking frequent breaks to stretch the wrist, holding the wrist at the level of the hands and using devices such as split keyboards and wrist pads to ease the strain on the wrist.
