Question
I am 16 and have never had any wrist injuries but I have found that more recently my wrist pops and grinds a lot. In some instances it pops and hurts. Such as, if there is a weight on top of my hand and the weight is enough that I have to pull my hand out of it and it does not simply slide out. At that point it pops and hurts and feels like it is disconnecting from my hand. This always occurs in my left wrist which is not my dominate hand. Holding something of heavy weight, however, does not hurt my hand. I also use the computer from 2-7 hours daily if that influences anything. I appreciate any information about this you can give me! Thank you!

Answer
Dear Laurel,

I am sorry to hear that you are having pain in the wrist, with popping and grinding sensations.  Since you are only 16 years old, you claim that you have never had any injury, and since you are spending many hours per day on the computer, it is most likely that you are experiencing a tendinitis or bursitis of the wrist.  

Notice, however, that I said that it is most likely. You have to also consider other issues that could be contributing to your problem. There are some arthritic conditions that attack the young, for example.  It is also possible to develop cysts at the wrist that can become quite painful.

I have some questions for you to consider:  Have you seen your medical doctor for an evaluation? Have you considered a visit to an arthritis specialist MD? Have you been to see a chiropractor or a physical therapist?

If I were you, I would try first to rest the wrist, if possible. I would also consider using ice massages on the wrist at the location where it hurts. You might consider using a wrist support/brace at night.  If these measures don't help you, then it is time to seek for an evaluation. My first stop would be to an MD for lab work to make sure that there is not underlying arthritic condition. When the MD tells you that you are perfectly normal, then go and find a good physical therapist or chiropractor.  These providers can perform therapies and modalities that can help you with local inflammation.

Laurel, it is impossible, really, to diagnose and treat your wrist based on a simple statement through email. If rest and bracing the joints doesn't help, go and get an examination from a physician that you trust. He/she will guide you through the process of getting the answers that you seek.

Good Luck, and I hope you feel better soon.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com