The wrist joint plays a role in basic movements, from texting to writing. Wrist pain is a common condition with various causes. When pain occurs, it can interfere with day-to-day activities and even impact a person’s quality of life [1].

Wrist pain is often caused by sprains or fractures from sudden injuries. But wrist pain can also result from long-term problems, such as repetitive stress, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Wrist pain can be caused by disease or injury affecting any aspect of the wrist joint, including the bones, ligaments and connective tissue surrounding the area. Repetitive-motion injuries can cause pain in the wrist and hand. Trauma or injuries such as strains and sprains can also cause wrist pain. Tumors of the bones or other structures in the hand are a very rare cause of wrist pain [2].

Because so many factors can lead to wrist pain, diagnosing the exact cause can be difficult, but an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment and healing [3].

A number of studies conducted in different parts of India reveal widespread ignorance about the wrist pain among people. As this disease largely relies on prevention and the right information at the right time is essential to bring about a behavioral change when the population is most receptive. Hence, this study was undertaken with the objective to assess the knowledge about preventive factors and practices during wrist pain among Ortho OPD patients in civil hospital Rohru.

Objectives of the Study  

• To evaluate the knowledge of patients attending Ortho OPD towards Prevention of wrist pain in civil hospital Rohru

• To evaluate the practices of patients attending Ortho OPD in civil hospital Rohru on having wrist pain

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Descriptive survey design

• Setting of the Study: Ortho OPD of civil hospital Rohru

• Study Duration: Between Aug- December 2020

• Study Population: Ortho OPD patients in civil hospital Rohru

• Sample Size: 400 Ortho OPD patients

• Sampling Technique: Convenience sampling technique

• Sampling criteria: First five patients attending the Ortho OPD of civil hospital Rohru everyday were selected till the completion of sample size after explaining the purpose of the study. Informed consent/assent was taken from them and confidentiality of the selected participants was also maintained 

• Inclusive Criteria: Patients selected during the day of data collection in study setting and who were willing to participate in the study

• Exclusion Criteria: Patients who were not willing to participate in the study 

• Development of Tool: Knowledge related questionnaires

Description of Tool

• Section A: Socio-demographic characteristics of the patients (age, gender etc.)

• Sections B: Questions regarding knowledge of preventive factors for elbow pain and practices of patients in case of wrist pain

• Validity of Tool: By the experts in this field

• Permission: Obtained from the concerned head of the civil hospital

• Data Collection: By myself and patients was given 5 minutes’ time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time

• Data Analysis: With appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage

The present study was non-experimental descriptive study carried out to evaluate knowledge of preventive factors for wrist pain and practices of patients in case of wrist pain in civil hospital Rohru.

In the present study 35% (140) of the patients fall were below 40 years of age while 65% (260) were above 40 years. 54% (216) of patients were male and 46% (184) were female.

Among the total patients maximum 337 (84.25%) replied that taking frequent breaks or rest the hands while typing or doing similar activities helps in prevention of wrist injury or pain followed by avoiding lifting a heavy weight with hands 336 (84%), take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks 335 (83.75%), interchanging hands during activities, such as when sweeping, or gardening 332 (83%), use the correct techniques or positions during activities 308 (77%), avoid repeated movements of wrist 304 (76%), avoid falls on ground 299 (74.75%) stretching exercise of wrist regularly 290 (72.5%) avoid injury/fracture of wrist joint 287 (71.75%), stick with smooth movements of hands 202 (50.5%), keeping the wrists in a relaxed position 201 (50.25%), Calcium and Vitamin D supplements 180 (45%), use wrist guards when participating in sports 165 (41.25%), avoid working with a bent wrist 135 (33.75%) and use wrist-friendly keyboard/mouse 107 (26.75%). Among the total patients, 63 (15.75%) didn’t know anything about prevention of wrist injury or pain (Table 1).

Table 1: Knowledge of Patients Towards Prevention of Wrist Pain

Among the total patients maximum 341 (85.25%) replied that they applied of pain relief gels upon wrist during pain followed by avoid lifting heavy weight with hands 340 (85%), resting the wrist 335 (83.75%), practice stretching and strengthening exercises of wrist 301 (75.25%), pain relief medications 301 (75.25%), avoid any injury/stress to wrist 290 (72.5%), immobilize wrist joint 287 (71.75%), Calcium and Vitamin D supplements 198 (49.5%), cold applications 189 (47.25%), wearing a wrist brace/splint 182 (45.5%), compression and wrapping with elastic bandage 176 (44%) and heat applications 121 (30.25%) (Table 2).

Table 2: Practices of Patients in Case Wrist Pain

Wrist pain is a frequent complaint and there are many potential causes, with a wrist sprain and tendonitis being the most common ones. The reason behind your pain dictates exactly how it's experienced sharp pain, dull ache, pins and needles, or tightness. But due to the wrist's complex anatomy, determining the "why" behind your wrist pain can be a tricky process. That is why the diagnostic process entails a detailed medical history and physical examination, followed by an imaging test. A treatment plan will follow, which usually involves medication for pain and inflammation control, and, rarely, surgery. Treating wrist pain depends entirely on the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you understand the cause of your symptoms before embarking on a treatment program [4-6].

In the current study, among the total patients maximum 341 (85.25%) replied that they applied of pain relief gels upon wrist during pain followed by avoid lifting heavy weight with hands 340 (85%), resting the wrist 335 (83.75%), practice stretching and strengthening exercises of wrist 301 (75.25%), pain relief medications 301      (75.25%), avoid any injury/stress to wrist 290 (72.5%), immobilize wrist joint 287 (71.75%), Calcium and Vitamin D supplements 198 (49.5%), cold applications 189 (47.25%), wearing a wrist brace/splint 182 (45.5%), compression and wrapping with elastic bandage 176 (44%) and heat applications 121 (30.25%).

The first treatment for many common conditions that cause wrist pain is to rest the joint and allow the acute inflammation to subside. It is important, however, to use caution when resting the joint because prolonged immobilization can cause joint stiffness [7].

It's a good idea to ice the wrist for twenty minutes every three to four hours for the first two days. While you may be tempted to extend the application time, doing so won't help heal your wrist any faster and it could actually cause damage to the tissues [8].

Using an elastic bandage, wrap the wrist from the base of the fingers all the way up to the top of the forearm, overlapping the wrap by one half of its width. The wrap should be snug, but not cutting off circulation to the hand and wrist tingling is a sign it's too tight [9].

Support braces or splints may help people who have either experienced a recent wrist sprain injury or who have carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. For people with wrist arthritis, wearing a splint during painful activities can be useful. A cast is needed in the event of a break, which of course would need to be applied by a medical professional [10].

Pain medication also be recommended to reduce inflammation and pain in the wrist. However, these drugs can have side effects, like an increased risk of bleeding and ulcers. They should be used only occasionally, unless your doctor specifically says otherwise [11].

Depending on the type of pain, wrist exercises may work. Certain exercises can be prescribed to stretch and lengthen muscles and tendons. These exercises will ensure that any type of stiffness in the wrist joint is reduced while also increasing flexibility [12].

Resting, immobilizing, applying ice, compressing with elastic bandage, elevating the wrist taking anti-inflammatory painkillers and at the same time avoiding repetitive movement and avoiding lifting heavy weight with wrist, helps in reducing pain and swelling of wrist.

1. Medical News Today. “Wrist pain: Causes, symptoms and treatment.” Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312070. Accessed June 2021.

2. Mayo Clinic. “Wrist pain: Symptoms and causes.” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrist-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20366213. Accessed June 2021.

3.  A2Z Health Group. “Wrist pain.” A2Z Health Group, https://a2zhealthgroup.com.au/wrist-pain/. Accessed June 2021.

4. Verywell Health. “Wrist pain: Causes, symptoms and treatments.” Verywell Health, https://www.verywellhealth.com/wrist-pain-causes-symptoms-and-treatments-2549458. Accessed June 2021.

5. Healthline. “Wrist pain.” Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/wrist-pain. Accessed June 2021.

6. Healthline. “Wrist tendonitis.” Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/tendonitis-of-wrist. Accessed June 2021.

7. MedicineNet. “Chills, joint aches, joint pain, wrist and joint pain fingers.” MedicineNet, https://www.medicinenet.com/chills_joint_aches_joint_pain_wrist_and_joint_pain_fingers/multisymptoms.htm. Accessed June 2021.

8. WebMD. “Wrist sprain.” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/wrist-sprain. Accessed June 2021.

9. Healthline. “Compression wrapping.” Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/compression-wrapping. Accessed June 2021.

10. WebMD. “Do I need a brace for carpal tunnel syndrome?” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/do-i-need-a-brace-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Accessed June 2021.

11. Better Health While Aging. “Safest OTC painkillers for aging adults.” Better Health While Aging, https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/safest-otc-painkiller-aging-risks-of-nsaids/. Accessed June 2021.

12. Physio-Pedia. “Hand exercises.” Physio-Pedia, https://www.physio-pedia.com/Hand_Exercises. Accessed June 2021.