Wrist pain is a fairly common complaint that can be caused by a number of different reasons. it can be caused by an acute injury such as sudden sprains and it can be caused by long term repetitive motion and stress, gout, or more commonly, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.
Carpal tunnel syndrome describes the condition in which swelling in the wrist squeezes and tightens around the median nerve, leading to pain, abnormal sensation or numbness. Swelling of the wrist can occur from repetitive stress and overuse, chronic inflammation and edema, pregnancy, arthritis and even endocrine disorders. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include difficulty gripping objects and making a fist, pain, numbness and tingling of the hand that worsens at night.
Arthritis describes the condition in which the joints are inflamed leading to stiffness, pain, and swelling. It can be caused from normal wear and tear, aging, repetitive stress and overuse. The Symptoms of arthritis can be similar to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Due to the many different factors that can attribute to wrist pain, diagnosis is especially important to ensure proper treatment.
Try these Acupressure points to help alleviate wrist pain:
SJ 4 (陽池 Yang Chi): This point is located on the wrist crease on the back of the wrist, in a deep depression between the tendons of muscles extensor digitorum and extensor digit minimi.
PC 6 (內關 Nei Guan): This point is located on the inner arm, 2 cun (two thumb widths) from the wrist crease, in between the two tendons. The tendons will be more prominent with a clenched fist (if you can only feel for on tendon, then locate this point on the ulnar/ inner/ pinky side of the tendon).
PC 7 (大陵 Da Ling): This point is located on the inner arm, on the wrist crease, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
SI 6 (養老 Yang Lao): This point is located with the palm on the chest, at the formal and medial head of the ulna, in a depression level with the height of the styloid process.
SP 6 (三陰交 San Yin Jiao): This point is located 3 cun (three thumb widths) directly superior to the tip of the medial malleolus on the posterior border of the tibia.
Note: These Acupressure points should be stimulated with moderate pressure and should be stimulated frequently throughout the day! Stimulate each point with your thumb and/ or index finger for at least a minute before moving on to the next point.
Disclaimer: This information is intended as a patient education resource only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem as it is not a substitute for expert professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, please consult with your primary care physician.
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