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December 27, 2021

Scapholunate wrist ligament injury

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an example of a wrist injury that most people in Edison, New Jersey, residents are familiar with it. However, there are also other wrist injuries that are very common. For example, it might be beneficial for you to be able to recognize a scapholunate wrist ligament injury in Edison, NJ.

 

What is a scapholunate ligament injury?

 

Scapholunate wrist ligament injury

 

The scapholunate ligament is a structure that joins two of the wrist bones together — the scaphoid bone and the lunate bone. These are located on the left side of the wrist above the radius. The joining of these two bones by the scapholunate ligament helps ensure that the wrist moves smoothly as it twists and bends. However, this ligament can be strained or torn, and these issues are called scapholunate ligament injuries. 

 

What causes scapholunate wrist ligament injuries?

 

There are several common ways that scapholunate wrist injuries can develop. For one thing, falls can easily cause this injury, and this is especially true because people typically try to catch themselves with their hands when they fall. This can cause the scapholunate ligament to be put under extreme stress, and this stress can cause the ligament to be strained or torn. 

Impacts to the hands and wrists from playing sports can also cause scapholunate ligament injuries. Football, rugby and baseball players have a particularly high risk of such an injury. Regardless of the cause, many scapholunate ligament injuries are accompanied by a fracture of either the scaphoid bone, the lunate bone or both. 

 

What symptoms can you expect with a scapholunate wrist ligament injury?

 

Pain in the thumb side of the wrist is the most common scapholunate ligament injury symptom. However, there are also other symptoms you can have with this injury. Many people notice popping or snapping sounds when they move their wrist, and the wrist may swell or bruise after the injury occurs. It is also likely that you’ll have a weak grip, and this can make it more difficult to hold kitchen utensils and do other normal daily tasks. 

 

Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation in Edison, NJ, can help treat wrist ligament injuries

 

Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation is proud to offer wrist treatment and many other services at our clinic in Edison. Our team can start your one-on-one therapy toward recovery.

Using the information gathered from the screening, we’ll then build you a personalized hand and wrist therapy plan designed to: 

  • Reduce pain

  • Improve joint mobility

  • Restore the ability to do normal daily tasks

 

Take the next step to get our help with your wrist injury. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. 

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