Natural Remedies For Wrist Pain
Things like wrist pain are often self-treated, especially when the symptoms are mild and appear to be transient. But persistent or severe symptoms should receive medical attention. Also, if you experience continuous wrist pain symptoms, we recommend asking your doctor about them to rule out any chronic health condition.
With that said, even if you receive medical therapy, there’s a chance you want to do something else to speed up the process of healing. What remedies help reduce swelling and pain? Let’s explore a few supplements and topical treatments that may reduce your symptoms:
- Menthol and Arnica: Musculoskeletal pain can be due to muscle tension or inflammation. There are other causes, but these are perhaps the most likely. Menthol and arnica have soothing properties when applied directly to the skin. The only contraindication is allergies to menthol or arnica and having an open wound in the area. If that is not the case, you can use this type of cream. It is absorbed through the skin and relieves inflammation and pain.
- Capsaicin creams: Capsaicin is the substance that makes hot chili spicy. It changes the sensation of temperature in the skin. Thus, you could feel a transient burning sensation after applying capsaicin. However, it is known to reduce musculoskeletal pain by changing the way your nerves perceive the sensation of pain.
- Gentle massage: You can combine creams with a gentle massage for better results. Massaging the area for a few minutes before and after receiving cold therapy is also a good idea. This promotes blood flow and healing in the affected area. It may also relieve any muscle tension that accompanies pain. Massage should be avoided or performed very carefully in case of wrist sprains, tears, and fractures. Thus, if you’re unsure whether it is appropriate for you, talk to your doctor to find out.
- Mustard plaster: Another topical solution you can apply at home is a plaster made of dry mustard. Prepare it by adding two tablespoons of dry mustard, three tablespoons of flour, and warm water until you achieve a manageable plaster. Apply it to your affected wrist for 20 minutes every 12 hours after applying cold temperatures.
- Turmeric: Some spices have a potent anti-inflammatory effect that may reduce pain in arthritis and other systemic ailments. Turmeric is one of them, and besides giving your foods an Asian flavor, it relaxes muscle spasms, improves tissue regrowth, and serves as a topical pain reliever as well. You can apply it as a paste or increase your turmeric consumption by adding it as a spice to your foods.
- Vitamin C and E: You can also increase the consumption of some vitamins that aid in healing the affected tissues. Vitamin E and vitamin C are particularly useful for this. They are both potent antioxidants and ensure that free radicals do not cause extra damage. They are also cofactors in different enzymes your body uses for tissue growth.
All cases of wrist pain require individualized treatment. What was helpful for your partner is not necessarily beneficial for you. In some cases, trying to apply the same treatment can do more harm than good. Thus, if you have not yet talked to your doctor, do not hesitate to do so.
In some cases, you might need medical treatment and even surgery to solve your problems. So, talk to your doctor immediately if your pain keeps coming back, is very severe, or is associated with the deformation of the articulations or recent trauma. Your doctor should also attend to degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Also, if you’re an athlete or have previous injuries in your upper extremities, the best thing you can do is schedule a visit with your doctor.