If your wrist is overused, there are various ways you might notice this. Your wrist may ache, feel stiff, and this can make it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do yourself to reduce this strain. You can read exactly what you can do in this article.
What are the symptoms of a strained wrist?
If your wrist is strained, you may notice this in many different ways. The symptoms aren’t the same for everyone, but they often correspond to one or more of the following characteristics:
A nagging, stabbing or sharp pain when moving or lifting
Pain during certain movements, such as bending, twisting or squeezing
Reduced strength in the wrist or hand
Stiffness
Swelling or a feeling of warmth
Sensitivity to pressure
Worsening of symptoms with repeated strain, such as typing or playing sport
If you are experiencing wrist pain for no apparent reason, there is a good chance it is due to overuse. If the symptoms worsen rapidly or are visible on the outside of the wrist, it could be something else. In that case, it is important to see a doctor to rule out tendinitis, a pinched nerve or other injury.
How does overuse occur?
Overuse occurs when a part of the body – in this case, the wrist – is subjected to frequent or prolonged strain. The muscles, tendons and other tissues are then not given enough time to recover. If the wrist is overused, this is often caused by poor posture, typing, working with tools, or by fitness activities or other sports such as boxing.
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What can you do if your wrist is strained?
1. Temporarily reduce the strain on your wrist
Try to identify the source of the strain and temporarily cut back on these movements. Think of activities such as a lot of lifting, twisting, typing or clicking. Usually, you don’t need to stop completely, but do cut back for a while and take more breaks.
2. Keep your wrist moving gently
Gentle movement helps to keep your wrist supple. So bend and stretch your wrist carefully, but stop if you notice it hurts.
3. Pay attention to your posture
Your posture is important, and poor posture can lead to strain more quickly. The cause doesn’t necessarily lie in your wrist; it could also be because your back is hunched or you’re experiencing discomfort in your shoulders.
4. Build up your activities gradually
Once the symptoms subside, you can gradually resume daily activities such as exercise and typing. Do not do this too quickly, and stop if you notice the symptoms returning.
5. Use a cold pack
If you’re also experiencing swelling or redness, a cold pack can help to temporarily reduce this. Wrap it in a towel and use it for about 10–15 minutes at a time.
6. Wear a wrist brace temporarily
If you cannot stop the activities causing the strain, you may choose to wear a brace temporarily. This provides extra support whilst carrying out these tasks and helps prevent the strain from getting worse.
7. Use red light therapy
Red light therapy helps to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. In cases of overuse, it can therefore lead to faster recovery and reduced pain. These days, you can apply it yourself, right from the comfort of your own home.
How does red light therapy help with overuse?
Red light therapy can help to reduce pain and supports the body’s natural healing process following overuse. Here’s how red light can help:
Supporting cellular energy: the red light is absorbed by the mitochondria in the cells.
Reducing pain: photobiomodulation influences processes involved in pain, which can significantly reduce it.
Supporting the recovery process: red and near-infrared light influence biological processes that affect tissue repair.
PowerCure red light therapy for a strained wrist
The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that you can use for a strained wrist, but also, for example, for a strained knee or other complaints and conditions. This device is designed for home use, for both people and animals. This allows you to treat your strained wrist effectively yourself.