This article is part of our comprehensive guide to exercise and rehabilitation for hypermobility.
Wrist pain is a pretty common struggle for many with hypermobility, particularly those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Talk to anyone with hypermobility, or do a quick search on Reddit, and you will find some very common themes.
Many describe a persistent struggle with pain and instability, particularly during activities that require wrist strength or repetitive motions, such as typing or lifting objects, with this pain sometimes being accompanied by sensations of tingling or burning.
Another common theme is the journey toward an accurate diagnosis. Some recount being initially misdiagnosed with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, while others have faced scepticism from healthcare providers who don’t fully understand the impact that hypermobility can have. Obviously, this can lead to frustration and a sense of being dismissed, further complicating the path to effective treatment.
To manage their symptoms, many folks turn to a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments. Wrist braces and splints are frequently used to provide stability and alleviate pain during activities. Physical therapy is another cornerstone of management, with exercises tailored to strengthen the wrists and forearms, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of pain. In addition to conventional treatments, some find relief through alternative methods such as compression gloves, kinesiology tape, and heat therapy.
However, there is one thing that always gets left out of the conversation: how to get the hypermobile wrist bones back in place!
Because honestly, it’s very simple, and it’s something I show people all the time, it gives pretty much instant relief, and it’s something you can keep in your toolbox for when you need it.
So, let’s have a quick look at the wrist, why it causes issues, and what you can do to help quickly!
The structure of the wrist
The carpal bones are eight little bones that are organised in two rows. They make up a complicated and flexible joint that is the wrist. A variety of motions, including bending, straightening, and turning, are made possible by these bones, which link the forearm to the hand. The ligaments that attach these bones together provide the wrist the support and stability it needs to work properly, falling into two primary categories of wrist ligaments: Intrinsic and the Extrinsic.
FAQ on hypermobile wrists
How does hypermobility effect the wrist?
Having joints that can move more than the average range of motion is called hypermobility. A greater likelihood of wrist injuries like sprains and dislocations is associated with this enhanced pliability of the wrist joint. Although the majority of hypermobility patients may not encounter any difficulties, a small percentage may develop hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD), a condition that can lead to discomfort and impaired mobility.
When people with hypermobility have wrist pain, what are the most typical reasons behind it?
Ligament laxity causes joint instability, which in turn causes wrist pain in hypermobile persons. The ligaments and cartilage in the wrist can become damaged due to the aberrant movement caused by this instability. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and other connective tissue illnesses, as well as hereditary factors, can lead to hypermobility.
When it comes to hypermobility-related wrist pain, what part do splints and braces play?
Hypermobile wrists can benefit from the support and stability provided by splints and braces, which can lessen the likelihood of injury or aggravation caused by overuse. Activities that put strain on the wrists are common times for their use.
For people who are constantly on the go, what other options do you have for alleviating wrist pain?
Some non-traditional methods of treatment include kinesiology tape, cold laser therapy, heat therapy, and compression gloves. The goal of these techniques is to speed up the healing process while decreasing inflammation and pain.
To what extent is chronic wrist hypermobility (CWH) more common in males than in females?
According to research, CWH is more common in women than in men. Hormonal effects on collagen synthesis or other hereditary variables affecting connective tissue characteristics might account for this variation.
