‘It’s such a complex little area’: how to really look after your wrists
The structure of wrists mean we have the capacity to do both handstands and neurosurgery. A lot can go wrong
TL;DR
- Falls, especially during the holidays when people try new activities like riding scooters or bikes, commonly result in wrist injuries.
- The wrist is a complex structure of eight carpal bones, radius, ulna, metacarpals, ligaments, and tendons, making it susceptible to injury.
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis, often called 'mother's thumb', is caused by repetitive movements and inflammation of tendons connecting arm muscles to thumb bones.
- To prevent wrist injuries, modify movements, use different lifting techniques, prop babies during feeding, and avoid lifting primarily from the wrist.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome involves nerve compression in the wrist, causing tingling, numbness, or weakness, often due to prolonged wrist bending during sleep or computer use.
- Keeping wrists limber with stretches and rotations during computer work and using heat packs for stiffness can help prevent and alleviate wrist problems.