Wrist swelling is a common condition encountered in clinics. Swelling is sometimes accompanied by pain and sometimes there may be no pain.
One of the most common conditions in the wrist is ganglion. Ganglia are benign cysts arising from the sheath of the tendons that move the fingers. Ganglion manifests itself as a small swelling on the back of the wrist, sometimes on the inner side. It may be a few mm or 1-2 cm. It's generally pretty harsh. That's why patients come to the doctor because they have a bone in their wrist. Although it is generally painless, it can sometimes cause pain. Clinically, patients generally complain of visual impairment. Although there are popular treatment methods such as tying money and massaging with olive oil, such treatments are ineffective. In fact, if there is no complaint, there is no need for treatment. In the majority of cases, it resolves on its own. As treatment, it is sufficient to protect the wrist from unnecessary excessive movement, rest it, and if necessary, give a wristband and apply ice. Antirheumatic creams may also be partially effective. Rarely, when they are large, the material inside can be removed with a needle, but in general, it may be difficult to remove the cyst because it is filled with a very dense, gel-like material.
Another condition that may cause swelling in the wrist is tenosnovitis. It is characterized by fluid accumulation along the long axis within the tendon sheaths. The cause is mostly excessive use or strain of the wrist. Unlike ganglia, they are more likely to be painful. Diagnostic examination, ultrasound or MRI examination is sufficient. As treatment for ganglia, rest, wristband, ice application, antirheumatic cream and pills are used. Differently, these patients benefit greatly from cortisone injection into the tendon sheath. In stubborn cases, physical therapy can also be applied.
The most important disease group that can cause swelling and pain in the wrist is inflammatory rheumatism. Pain and swelling are almost always together in these diseases. The most important distinguishing feature from other local rheumatisms is that it usually affects both wrists together. Often finger joints are also involved. In such cases, the swelling in the patients' wrists is not local but affects the entire wrist. Sometimes, increased temperature is accompanied by redness. Wrist movements are limited and painful. The patient typically wakes up in the morning It is bad and causes morning stiffness. This hardness may last for half to an hour. In these cases, blood tests are very important in addition to examination to make a diagnosis. High blood rheumatic tests along with clinical findings are diagnostic of inflammatory joint rheumatism. Ultrasound and contrast-enhanced MRI examinations are also helpful in diagnosis. Treatment is based on the relevant inflammatory joint rheumatism. Medication is essential. Sometimes cortisone injections in the wrist may also be required. Freezing of joint movements is prevented through exercises. In such cases, treatment is long-term.
Painful or painless swelling in the wrist is important as it may be a sign of soft tissue rheumatism or inflammatory rheumatism. In such a case, patients should consult a specialist without delay.
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