A study cited in the New York Times stated that close to one million Americans had to go to the emergency room for injuries related to weight training between 1990 and 2007. This study went on to state that in the year 2009, about 34.5 million people performed weight training. Wrist injuries can occur due to weight training and these injuries can cause wrist pain. If you are weight training and experiencing wrist pain it is important to stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Syndesmosis
This common injury is often seen in weight training when the athlete tries more weight than he or she can handle. It is characterized by interosseous membrane damage and this membrane is fibrous and connects the two lower arm bones. Pain is the symptom and as damage continues and starts to include other tendons and ligaments the pain can become very severe and the damage can become irreversible, according to BodyBuilding.com. Treatment can include cartilage-stimulating supplements, wrist braces and ice massages on the affected wrist.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is an overuse injury in which a tendon in the wrist becomes irritated, inflamed and swollen. Pain, redness and warmth are the usual symptoms. You may notice the pain becoming worse with activity or at night, according to PubMed Health. Treatment often includes immobilization or rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, icing the affected wrist and in severe cases, surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel is characterized by pressure on your median nerve and it is also an overuse injury. You may experience numbness or tingling, pain that can extend to the elbow, finger mobility issues, weak grip, wrist pain, muscle wasting in severe cases and weakness, according to PubMed Health. Treatment usually includes splinting the affected wrist, not stressing the wrist, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery.
Wrist Strain
A strain occurs when a tendon or muscle is pulled or twisted and is classified as an overuse injury. Symptoms include muscle spasms, pain, limited motion, weakness, inflammation, cramping and swelling, according to National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Treatment includes icing the affected wrist, splinting or bracing the wrist, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and in severe cases, surgery.
References
- New York Times; Weight-Lifting Injuries on the Rise; Nicholas Bakalar; June, 2010
- MDAdvice.com: Wrist Strain
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sports Injury Bulletin: Wrist Tendinitis and Wrist Injuries
- BodyBuilding.com; Syndesmosis; Dr. David Ryan & Ginger Redeker NPC Figure Comp
- Hospital for Special Surgery; Sports Injuries of the Hand; Michelle G. Carlson, MD; October, 2010
