Wrist pain can significantly impact your daily life, from making simple tasks like typing and cooking painful to limiting your ability to enjoy sports and exercise. Whether you’re suffering from a recent injury or dealing with long-term discomfort, Crawley Physiotherapy specialises in treating musculoskeletal injuries, with a particular focus on wrist pain. Our expert physiotherapists are here to help alleviate pain, improve wrist function, and prevent further injury, allowing you to return to your normal activities quickly and safely.
The wrist is a complex joint made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that work together to provide stability and facilitate movement. Wrist pain can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from overuse and repetitive motion to acute injuries and underlying health conditions. Some of the most common causes of wrist pain we treat include:
Frequent, repetitive movements of the wrist, such as typing, using a computer mouse, or playing sports, can lead to strain on the muscles and tendons. This overuse can result in conditions like tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the wrist are overstretched or torn, typically from a fall or sudden twist. Wrist strains, on the other hand, involve damage to the muscles or tendons. Both injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist.
Tendonitis in the wrist is the inflammation of the tendons, often caused by repetitive motions. One of the most common forms of tendonitis in the wrist is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, which affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage in the wrist joint breaks down, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is more common in older adults but can affect anyone who has sustained previous injuries or overuse.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed. This leads to symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness in the wrist, hand, and fingers. It is often caused by repetitive wrist movements and poor ergonomic positioning.
A fall or traumatic event can lead to fractures in the bones of the wrist, which can cause significant pain, swelling, and bruising. Fractures require prompt medical attention and may involve immobilisation or surgery depending on the severity.
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the joints, forming crystals that cause intense pain and swelling. While it commonly affects the big toe, it can also impact the wrist.
Wrist pain can manifest in various ways depending on the cause. Common symptoms to look out for include:
At Crawley Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists specialise in treating musculoskeletal injuries, including wrist pain. We offer a variety of treatments to help relieve pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence. Our approach is personalised to meet your specific needs and goals, with a focus on long-term recovery and injury prevention.
Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, and trigger point therapy can help reduce pain, restore movement, and improve function. These treatments are designed to target the underlying causes of wrist pain, such as tight muscles, restricted joints, or inflammation.
Exercise is essential for strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the wrist to promote healing and prevent future injuries. Our physiotherapists will provide you with a tailored exercise programme that focuses on improving wrist flexibility, strength, and stability.
For wrist pain caused by repetitive strain or poor posture, we provide ergonomic assessments and advice. This may involve making adjustments to your workstation setup, such as the height of your desk or the angle of your keyboard, as well as training on proper wrist positioning during daily activities.
We use targeted stretching and mobilisation techniques to improve the flexibility and range of motion of the wrist joint, reducing stiffness and increasing movement. These techniques are particularly helpful for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis.
Ice therapy is effective in the early stages of an injury to reduce swelling and inflammation, while heat therapy can be used later to relax muscles and improve circulation. We guide you on when and how to use these treatments for the best results.
In some cases, a splint or brace may be recommended to support the wrist and reduce strain during recovery. This can be particularly beneficial for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or wrist sprains.
Crawley Physiotherapy offers specialised treatment for a variety of wrist conditions, including:
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome often includes manual therapy, exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles, and ergonomic advice to reduce pressure on the median nerve. Splints or braces may also be recommended to keep the wrist in a neutral position.
We treat De Quervain’s tenosynovitis by reducing inflammation with techniques such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation. Our exercise therapy focuses on strengthening the thumb and wrist muscles to prevent further strain.
Our physiotherapists use a combination of rest, ice therapy, and manual therapy to reduce swelling and pain from sprains and strains. Once the initial pain subsides, we provide strengthening exercises to restore full function to the wrist.
For wrist arthritis, we offer joint mobilisation and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and reduce stiffness. We also provide strategies to manage pain and help you maintain wrist function.
At Crawley Physiotherapy, we take a comprehensive approach to treating wrist pain, combining expert knowledge with personalised care. Here’s why you should choose us for your wrist pain treatment:
At home, rest, ice therapy, and gentle stretching exercises can help relieve wrist pain. Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, and consider using a wrist brace for support.
Yes, physiotherapy can help manage carpal tunnel syndrome by relieving pressure on the median nerve. Treatment may include manual therapy, exercises, and ergonomic advice to prevent further strain on the wrist.
Recovery time depends on the severity of the sprain. Mild sprains may take a few days to a week, while more severe sprains can take several weeks. Physiotherapy can speed up the recovery process and help restore function.
Yes, poor posture, especially while typing or using a computer, can strain the wrist and lead to pain. Physiotherapists can provide ergonomic advice and exercises to improve posture and relieve pain.
If your wrist pain is persistent, worsens over time, or interferes with daily activities, it’s important to seek physiotherapy. Early treatment can help prevent further injury and speed up recovery.
