Playing in a recreational softball league this spring? Or maybe just heading out to the garden? No matter what your choice of activity, wrist injuries are surprisingly common. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga wants you to know how to recognize symptoms of a wrist injury, as well as the most common causes of a wrist injury. Read on as we offer some insight. What Are the Most Common Causes of a Wrist Injury? There are a number of reasons for wrist pain or discomfort. Some of the most common causes include carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, wrist tendonitis and repetitive motion syndrome. It is extremely important for people, especially athletes, to take precautions when performing certain tasks in order to prevent wrist injuries. Should symptoms of a wrist injury appear, seek medical attention at our urgent care center to help avoid further injury and pain.

Wrist Injury Symptoms

• Swollen fingers
• Difficulty making a fist
• Trouble grabbing objects
• Numbing and/or tingling in hands
• Pain and/or numbness that gets worse at night
• Warmth in the joint near the wrist
• Redness and/or swelling in and around the wrist
• Sharp pain in hand

How Long Does It Take a Wrist Injury to Heal?

The length of time it takes to heal a wrist injury depends on the severity of the wrist injury. If you experienced a milder wrist injury, you could see your symptoms alleviate within two to three days. However, if your wrist injury is more severe, it could take weeks (or even months) for your wrist to heal completely. Depending on the type of injury and its severity, you may require a period of rest or a surgical procedure to stimulate healing.

Wrist Injury Prevention

• Maintain a neutral position when typing.
• Avoid repetitive motion when possible.
• Pay attention to ergonomics at work.
• Do wrist exercises at least twice a day.
• Wear wrist guards when participating in sports or gardening.
• Practice proper technique and form.

Did you experience a wrist injury? We have an X-ray on-site! Stop by AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga today for a medical evaluation and treatment plan.