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Wrist WORK ACCIDENT

From Pain to Progress: Managing Work-Related Wrist Injuries

A wrist injury can be difficult, limiting, and often painful. When you sustain a wrist injury at work, it takes a toll on your health, well-being, and financial security. Fortunately, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical treatment for your wrist injury and lost wages from time off work. However, you should not go through the claims process alone.

At Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee, we’ve seen the impact of a wrist injury at work firsthand. In addition, we know how much the proper medical treatment and documentation make a difference in a workers’ compensation case. That’s why we help build your workers’ compensation case as you recover. Our medical professionals are well-versed in the workers’ compensation claims process and will create a full record of your injury, treatment, and progress, as well as develop a permanent partial disability rating for you and your workers’ compensation attorney. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

woman with wrist pain at work

HAVE YOU BEEN HURT?

What to Do After Injuring Your Wrist at Work

If you've injured your wrist at work, here are some steps you can take:

  1. Stop the Activity. Stop immediately if you're engaged in an activity when the injury occurs to prevent further damage.
  2. Rest the Wrist. Avoid using the injured wrist as much as possible to prevent aggravating the injury.
  3. Apply Ice. Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the injured wrist to help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect your skin and apply it for about 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  4. Elevate the Wrist. Keep the injured wrist above your heart's level to help reduce swelling and promote drainage of excess fluid.
  5. Use Wrist Compression. Use a compression bandage or wrist brace to help stabilize the injured wrist and reduce swelling. Ensure the bandage or brace is snug but not too tight to avoid cutting off circulation.
  6. Seek Medical Attention. If the pain is severe, if you're unable to move the wrist, or if there are any signs of deformity, seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional can assess the injury, provide a diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment.
  7. Follow Medical Advice. Depending on the severity of the injury, your healthcare provider may recommend rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), over-the-counter pain relievers, and possibly further evaluation or treatment.
  8. Report the Injury. If you've sustained a work-related injury, report it to your employer immediately. This is important for initiating workers' compensation claims and ensuring that you receive appropriate medical care and support.
  9. Follow Up. Follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and ensure the injury is healing properly. Be sure to adhere to any treatment recommendations and restrictions on activities.
  10. Consider Ergonomic Adjustments. If the injury was caused by repetitive tasks or poor ergonomics at work, consider discussing potential ergonomic adjustments with your employer to prevent future injuries.

Remember, always take wrist injuries seriously and seek prompt medical attention to prevent further complications and facilitate a speedy recovery.

Table Of Contents

Signs and Symptoms of a Wrist Injury

  • Pain or Tenderness in the Wrist
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Difficulty Moving the Wrist
  • Weakness or Instability
  • Numbness or Tingling
  • Deformity
woman struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome

Treatments for Work-Related Wrist Injury

Consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Common treatments for work-related wrist injuries depend on the specific type and severity of the injury, but they may include:

Types of Wrist Injuries That Happen on the Job

These are just a few examples of the common types of wrist injuries in the workplace. Preventive measures such as ergonomic adjustments, proper lifting techniques, and regular breaks can help reduce the risk of these injuries. If you experience a wrist injury at work, seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Common Types of Wrist Injuries at Work

Sprains and Strains.

These injuries occur when ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains) in the wrist are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twisting or bending motions.

Fractures.

Wrist fractures can involve any of the bones in the wrist, such as the radius, ulna, or carpal bones. They can result from falls onto an outstretched hand or from direct impact trauma.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

This condition develops when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist into the hand, becomes compressed or irritated, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. It's often associated with repetitive movements, such as typing or assembly line work.

Tendinitis.

Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the wrist, typically caused by repetitive motions or overuse of the wrist joint. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

This condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, leading to pain and swelling, particularly with thumb and wrist movements. It's often associated with repetitive activities that involve gripping or twisting motions.

Ligament Injuries.

Injuries to the ligaments in the wrist, such as a tear or sprain of the scapholunate ligament or triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), can occur due to sudden impact or forceful twisting motions.

Ganglion Cysts.

These fluid-filled cysts can develop near the wrist joint, often arising from the synovial fluid-filled structures within the joint. They may or may not cause symptoms but can lead to pain and discomfort if they press on nearby nerves or tissues.

Wrist Bursitis.

Bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles in the wrist joint. It can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement of the wrist.

WHAT IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by bones and ligaments, and it houses the median nerve and the tendons that control finger movement.

When the median nerve is compressed within the carpal tunnel, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Numbness or Tingling: Individuals with CTS often experience numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. These symptoms may occur intermittently or persistently and may worsen at night.
  • Weakness: CTS can cause weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects or perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt or holding a pencil.
  • Pain or Discomfort: Some individuals with CTS may experience pain or discomfort in the wrist, hand, or forearm. The pain may radiate up the arm or down into the fingers.
  • Difficulty with Fine Movements: CTS can impair dexterity and coordination, making it challenging to perform precise movements with the fingers or hands.

Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing, assembly line work, or using vibrating tools; wrist anatomy; certain medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid disorders; pregnancy; obesity; and certain lifestyle factors such as smoking.

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of symptoms and may include:

  • Resting the affected hand and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms
  • Wearing a splint or brace to keep the wrist in a neutral position
  • Performing exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons in the wrist and hand
  • Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Receiving corticosteroid injections to alleviate symptoms
  • Undergoing surgery, called carpal tunnel release surgery, to relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. If you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome, consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

How Wrist Pain and Discomfort Could Affect Your Daily Life

Wrist pain can have a significant impact on daily life, as it affects various activities and tasks that require the use of the hands and wrists. Here are some ways in which wrist pain can impact daily life:

Difficulty Performing Work Tasks. Wrist pain can make it challenging to perform tasks related to one's job, especially if it involves repetitive motions or manual labor. This can lead to decreased productivity and may require time off work for rest and recovery.

Limited Ability To Use Hands. Wrist pain can limit the range of motion and strength in the hands and wrists, making it difficult to perform everyday activities such as typing on a keyboard, writing, cooking, cleaning, or driving.

Impact on Hobbies and Leisure Activities. Activities such as playing musical instruments, gardening, sports, or crafting may become difficult or impossible due to wrist pain. This can lead to frustration and a loss of enjoyment in hobbies and leisure activities.

Decreased Independence. Wrist pain can affect one's ability to perform basic tasks independently, such as dressing, grooming, and preparing meals. This may require assistance from others or the use of adaptive devices to maintain independence.

Sleep Disturbances. Wrist pain can interfere with sleep, especially if it worsens at night or if certain sleeping positions exacerbate the pain. This can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and decreased daytime functioning.

Emotional Impact. Chronic wrist pain can take a toll on emotional well-being, leading to feelings of frustration, stress, anxiety, or depression. It can also impact relationships and social interactions if the pain limits participation in activities or causes mood changes.

Risk of Secondary Health Issues. Compensating for wrist pain by using other parts of the body can lead to muscle imbalances, joint stiffness, and additional pain in other areas, such as the shoulders, neck, or back. Overall, wrist pain can significantly impact quality of life and overall well-being. It's essential to seek medical evaluation and appropriate treatment to manage wrist pain effectively and minimize its impact on daily activities.

TREATMENT FOR A FRACTURED WRIST

Healing a Broken Wrist

Healing a broken wrist typically involves a combination of immobilization, alignment of the fractured bones, pain management, and rehabilitation. Overall, healing a broken wrist requires patience, adherence to medical advice, and commitment to rehabilitation exercises to optimize recovery and minimize the risk of long-term complications such as stiffness, weakness, or arthritis. Here's an overview of the steps involved in healing a broken wrist:

Medical Evaluation

If you suspect you have a broken wrist, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination, often including imaging tests such as X-rays or a CT scan, to diagnose the fracture and assess its severity.

Immobilization

In many cases of wrist fractures, immobilization is necessary to allow the bones to heal correctly. This may involve wearing a splint, cast, or brace to stabilize the wrist and prevent further movement or displacement of the fractured bones. The type of immobilization and duration will depend on the severity and location of the fracture.

Alignment

In some cases, mainly if the bones are displaced or misaligned, a healthcare professional may need to manipulate or realign the fractured bones to ensure proper healing. This may be done manually (closed reduction) or surgically (open reduction) under anesthesia.

Pain Management

Broken wrists can be painful, especially in the immediate aftermath of the injury and during the healing process. Pain management strategies may include over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs, prescription pain medications, or nerve blocks for more severe pain.

Rehabilitation

Once the initial acute phase of healing is complete and the immobilization device is removed, rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy may be prescribed to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the wrist joint and surrounding muscles. This may include gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, manual therapy techniques, and functional activities to gradually reintroduce the wrist to normal activities.

Follow-up Care

It's important to follow up with your healthcare provider as scheduled to monitor the healing process and to ensure that the wrist is progressing as expected. X-rays may be taken periodically to assess the healing of the fracture.

Return to Activity

The timing of returning to normal activities, including work and sports, will depend on the severity and location of the fracture, as well as individual factors such as healing progress and functional ability. Your healthcare provider will provide guidance on when it's safe to resume specific activities and any precautions or modifications that may be necessary.

HOW WE HELP YOU

Wrist Pain and Injury Treatment for Injured Workers at Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee

At Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee, we provide comprehensive care for injured workers with wrist injuries, focusing on effective treatment while meticulously documenting their medical care for their workers' compensation cases.

If you have suffered a wrist injury at work, we’re equipped and ready to help you heal while building a case to receive the benefits you deserve, facilitating a smooth resolution of your case, and ensuring a safe return to work.

We Can Get You Back to Work

If you or a loved one has experienced a wrist injury on the job, contact Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee right away. Our team is here to provide the support and care you need to navigate the challenges of wrist injury recovery while documenting your treatment properly for your workers’ compensation claim. We work closely with our injury patients and help ensure a swift recovery, a stress-free workers' compensation claims process, and a safe return to work.

Dr. Kelly of Spine and Joint Institute

If you are not receiving proper care for your injury, you have the right under Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Law to choose your own doctor and to get a second opinion.

- Dr. Kelly

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