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Pain in the Wrist Little Finger Side: Causes and Relief
Why do I feel pain in my wrist on the little finger side?
Pain in the wrist on the little finger side can be due to several causes. The most common are overuse, damage to ligaments and tendons, and underlying medical conditions. Identifying the cause of the pain is important in order to choose the right treatment.
Overloading of the wrist and fingers
Overuse is a common cause of wrist pain on the little finger side. This can occur because of:
Repetitive movements: Activities such as typing on the computer, playing a musical instrument or working with your hands can lead to wrist and finger strain.
Working with tools: Using hand tools or equipment that vibrates can cause wrist and forearm muscle strain.
Sports activities: Sports such as tennis, golf or climbing, which involve intensive use of the wrists and fingers, can overload the wrist.
Injuries to ligaments and tendons
Injuries to ligaments and tendons can also cause wrist pain on the little finger side. Common injuries include:
Ulnar collateral ligament injury: This ligament is located on the inside of the wrist near the little finger and can be damaged by sudden blows or twisting.
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) injury: TFCC is a structure of cartilage and ligaments that stabilizes the wrist on the little finger side. Injuries to the TFCC can occur during falls on an outstretched hand or twisting of the wrist.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons that attach muscles to the bone can cause pain and stiffness. This can occur with overuse or sudden injury.
Underlying medical conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Some medical conditions can cause wrist pain on the little finger side, including:
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Although this condition usually affects the thumb, index and middle fingers, it can sometimes cause pain and numbness that extends to the little finger side of the wrist.
Arthritis/Osteoarthritis: Joint diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the wrists and lead to pain, swelling and stiffness.
Gout: A form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. These can cause sudden and severe attacks of pain in the wrist.
Symptoms of wrist pain on the little finger side
The symptoms of wrist pain on the little finger side can vary depending on the cause, but common symptoms include:
Localized pain: Pain may be felt directly at the wrist on the little finger side and extend along the little finger.
Radiating pain: Pain may also radiate up the forearm or down the hand and fingers.
Swelling and tenderness to the touch
Swelling: The area around the wrist may become swollen, which can be a sign of inflammation or injury.
Soreness: The wrist may be sore to the touch, especially over damaged ligaments or tendons.
Reduced grip strength and mobility
Weakness: Decreased grip strength and difficulty holding or lifting objects may be a sign of injury or inflammation.
Stiffness: Reduced mobility of the wrist and fingers can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as writing, lifting or twisting the wrist.
Diagnostics
The treatment of wrist pain on the little finger side depends on the underlying cause. An accurate diagnosis is essential in order to provide effective treatment. Diagnostic methods include:
Medical history: A detailed review of your symptoms, past injuries and any underlying medical conditions.
Physical examination: examination of the wrist and hand to identify pain, swelling, tenderness and limited mobility.
Imaging: X-ray, MRI or ultrasound can be used to get a detailed picture of the wrist and identify damage to bones, ligaments or tendons.
Treatment options
Depending on the diagnosis, the following treatment methods may be effective:
Rest and immobilization: Resting the wrist and using a splint or bandage to immobilize the area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physiotherapy: Specific exercises and techniques can help strengthen the muscles around the wrist and improve mobility.
Medication: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and swelling.
Injections: Cortisone injections can be used to reduce inflammation in the wrist.
Surgery: In severe cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged structures in the wrist.
Self-care and home treatment
In addition to professional treatment, self-care measures can help relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process:
Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain and give your wrist time to heal.
Cold: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
Compression: Use an elastic bandage to provide support and reduce swelling.
Elevation: Keep your wrist elevated above your heart to reduce swelling.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: Once the pain starts to subside, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore mobility and strength to the wrist.
Prevention
To prevent future wrist pain on the little finger side, the following preventive measures may be useful:
Ergonomics: Adjust the workstation and use ergonomic tools to reduce wrist strain.
Warm-up: Do warm-up exercises before activities involving the wrists to prepare the muscles and ligaments.
Strength training: Regular strength training for the muscles in the hand and forearm can help support the wrist and prevent injury.
Avoid repetitive movements: Take regular breaks and avoid prolonged repetitive movements that can overload the wrist.
How can we help you with wrist pain on the little finger side?
At the FasciaClinics, we take a holistic approach to treating wrist pain on the little finger side. Our team of therapists use fascia therapy to relieve tension and pain. The fascia is the network of connective tissue that binds and permeates everything in our body. All cells, tissues (even bone tissue), muscles and organs contain fascia.
Fascia treatment focuses on releasing tension and adhesions in the fascia and increasing its flow. Reduced pressure and increased circulation allow cell membranes to more easily absorb nutrients and release waste products. Fascia treatment can thus promote the body’s own healing. The treatment provides a pleasant relaxation and does not hurt. It gets the whole body flowing and helps you balance your posture so that the body is evenly loaded. Tension in the arms and shoulders is reduced so that the pain is relieved.
During a visit, we analyze the whole body to see where compensations and imbalances are and how they have spread. If there is an imbalance in the body, there is a risk that they will spread and affect other structures. That’s why it’s very important to seek help quickly as soon as you get any symptoms. A forward-rotated shoulder will also affect the movements and loads on the arm and wrist.
By addressing the impact of fascia on the body and wrists, we can help reduce wrist pain. We work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that takes into account your specific needs and goals.
By combining medical treatment with self-care measures and fascia treatment, we can help you relieve wrist pain on the little finger side and improve your quality of life. Contact us to discuss your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that suits your needs.
