A 32-year-old woman who alternates between tennis and Pilates exercises daily after work recently experienced intense wrist pain. Despite the discomfort, she continued her workouts until the pain became unbearable. After seeking medical attention, she was diagnosed with ulnar impaction syndrome.
Medical experts report a growing number of patients with wrist pain as sports like tennis, yoga, Pilates, and golf gain popularity. Many are diagnosed with ulnar impaction syndrome, a condition caused by cartilage wear in the wrist.
Ulnar impaction syndrome is a degenerative joint disease typically arising when the ulnar bone (the bone on the pinky side of the wrist) is longer than the radius (the bone on the outside of the forearm). This condition often results from repetitive dynamic wrist movements.
Lee Jae Sung from Chung-Ang University Hospital’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery noted, “As more young people take up activities involving frequent wrist movements, such as tennis, yoga, Pilates, golf, and table tennis, the prevalence of this condition is increasing among those in their 20s and 30s.”
Unlike Westerners, East Asians tend to have longer ulna compared to the radius, making ulnar impaction syndrome more common. Patients primarily report pain in the wrist joint on the pinky side. In severe cases, daily activities such as turning a doorknob or wringing a cloth can become excruciating.
More than 50% of patients who report chronic wrist pain without a specific injury are diagnosed with ulnar impaction syndrome. The condition arises when the ulna head, the wrist bones (carpals), and the triangular fibrocartilage between them wear down, causing wrist pain.
You may suspect ulnar impaction syndrome if you experience pain when bending your wrist toward the pinky side or when pressing on the concave area between the wrist bones. To make an accurate diagnosis, an X-ray can help determine if the ulnar bone is longer than the radius.
If diagnosed relatively early, wrist pain can be alleviated through physical therapy or reduced wrist usage. However, if the symptoms progress to the point where reducing wrist usage does not alleviate the pain, treatments such as medication or injections may help. If symptoms persist for more than six months despite treatment, surgery may be considered.
Kang Jong Woo from Korea University Ansan Hospital’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery explained, “Surgical treatments include ulnar shortening osteotomy, which reduces the length of the ulna to match the wrist bones, and arthroscopy, which trims or repairs the torn triangular fibrocartilage. Both procedures generally have good outcomes.”
Lee warned, “If the joint is still relatively healthy, ulnar shortening osteotomy can be effective. However, if the condition is left untreated for too long, the cartilage can become severely damaged, necessitating joint fusion surgery and limited wrist movement.”
Therefore, managing and preventing symptoms before they become chronic is crucial. Simple preventive measures, such as stretching, can help protect the wrist and other joints from damage in daily life. Ensure you stretch adequately to loosen your wrists.
Gentle wrist flexion and extension stretches can be beneficial, but excessive wrist use should be avoided. Wearing wrist guards can provide additional protection during heavy wrist-use activities.
To prevent and manage triangular fibrocartilage tears, you should avoid repetitive use. Those with jobs that involve frequent wrist use should minimize stress on the wrist through stretching.
Avoid excessive exercise and activities that could lead to injury. For instance, in golf, a downward swing when hitting the ball can increase shock to the wrist, potentially causing damage.
Kang advised, “Avoid excessive wrist use and apply warm compresses to relieve wrist fatigue after physical activity. Most importantly, if you experience wrist pain in your daily life, do not ignore it. Visit an orthopedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis.”
