Wrist Pain - Any ideas what it could be?

[Stu007]

Hi Guys

I am a previous powerball user, who has brought it back out of the cupboard (sorry!) to try and find a new use for it (I don't mean that to sound bad, just I forgot about it for a while!)

Over the past few, say, 6 or so months, I've noticed a pain in the wrist which comes and goes, usually lasting a week or a so at a time, and can be in either wrist.

I am in a very hand-heavy job (electrician), and therefore am constantly repeating actions each day (e.g. squeezing crimp tools repeatedly in the same motion, using other tools in the same motion, etc), so a wrist pain is something I can do without, and which leads me to believe that this is a strain or repetitive motion injury. The pain can sometimes also come if I have been resting on my arm with my palm flat at a 90 degree angle to my arm.

The pain currently started at the beginning of this week again in my right hand wrist, and feels like it is in the top of the wrist (this time - can't remember exactly where it was previously). It is mainly painful when flexing the hand up and down, or when I move my hand in a certain way.

Anybody have any idea what this could be?

Also, is the powerball capable of treating this condition, and if so, how do you recommend using it (for example, what speed, which direction (CW/CCW), for how long, etc)?

Many thanks in advance

Stuart

[Physioblue]

Sounds like it could be a repetitive strain type injury, like you said.
Its more likely this than anything else given your job.

I would certainly say the PB SHOULD help, it certainly shouldn't make it worse. I guess the thing to do is try it and see. If it works - great. If not, come back on here and we will try something else.

In terms of how to use the PB, I dont think CW or CCW will be any different. I suppose for balance sake I would go for a bit of both, but its ultimately about which one feels more natural for you.
Aim to find a speed you can maintain for around 1 minute. Go for 3 1 minute runs at this speed, then put the ball down. Don't think that if 3 runs are good, 6 runs are better! We are trying to get over an overuse injury, not create a new one!
If it gets easy, up the speed.

Let us know how you get on

[Stu007]

Thanks a lot for your reply, will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again :)

[Koman]

Try altering your powerball technique and see if the pain goes away. If it doesn't then stop powerballing. Maybe it's just not for you.