Wrist pain has many causes, and one of these is a tear of the TFCC or triangular fibrocartilage complex. Come and see us at Blackberry Clinic if you have hurt your wrist and are experiencing any of the symptoms described below.
Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is cartilage that is attached to the end of both forearm bones (radius and ulna). This cartilage can be torn and often occurs from a high impact/force through applied through the wrist joint. For example, breaking a fall or repeatedly landing on the wrist during gymnastics.
How do I know if I have a TFCC tear?
– Wrist weakness
– Numbness
– Spasm
– Tingling/pins and needles
– Pain in the wrist joint usually felt over the back of the wrist, worse with weight bearing
– Often clicking sensation during movement
How can it be treated?
Physiotherapy is key in the rehabilitation of a TFCC tear. Firstly, a wrist fracture must be rules out through examination and possibly imaging. From there treatments may consist of:
– Manual therapy
– Mobilisation
– Strengthening exercises
– Soft tissue release
– Taping and or Splinting
Alternatively, you may require further intervention with a specialist Sport and Exercise medicine or Musculoskeletal Medicine consultant, this could involve the use of ultra sound guided injection therapies. At Blackberry Clinic our doctors specialise in injections for wrist injuries, they use diagnostic ultrasound to determine the damage and give an accurate diagnosis, although they may suggest an MRI for further investigation.
Sometimes TFCC tears can cause prolonged symptoms or complications so if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or have a history of wrist pain don’t hesitate to contact a Blackberry Clinic near you.
