Diagnosis and Prevention
Sudden impact.
Wrist injuries often occur when you fall forward onto your outstretched hand. This can cause sprains, strains and even fractures. A scaphoid fracture involves injury to a bone on the thumb side of the wrist. This type of fracture may not show up on X-rays immediately after the injury.
Repetitive stress.
Any activity that involves repetitive wrist motion — from hitting a tennis ball or bowing a cello to driving cross-country — can inflame the tissues around joints or cause stress fractures, especially when you perform the movement for hours on end without a break. De Quervain's disease is a repetitive stress injury that causes pain at the base of the thumb.
It's impossible to prevent the unforeseen events that often cause wrist injuries, but these basic tips may offer some protection:
Build bone strength.
Getting adequate amounts of calcium — 1,000 milligrams a day for most adults and at least 1,200 milligrams a day for women over age 50 — can help prevent fractures.
Prevent falls.
Falling forward onto an outstretched hand is the main cause of most wrist injuries. To help prevent falls, wear sensible shoes. Remove home hazards. Light up your living space. And install grab bars in your bathroom and handrails on your stairways, if necessary.
Use protective gear for athletic activities.
Wear wrist guards for high-risk activities, such as football, snowboarding and rollerblading.
Pay attention to ergonomics.
If you spend long periods at a keyboard, take regular breaks. When you type, keep your wrist in a relaxed, neutral position. An ergonomic keyboard and foam or gel wrist support may help.