Does Your Wrist Hurt During Yoga? What to Do about it?

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If you’ve been practicing yoga, you might have started to notice some discomfort in your wrists. This is a common issue for yogis, and it’s essential to know how to deal with it to continue your practice without any pain. Read on. The article has solutions for you. 

What to Do about wrist pain during yoga:

If you are experiencing wrist pain, below are some simple tips to help you:

  • Avoid positions that put pressure on your wrists, such as Downward Dog or Plank pose.
  • Use a yoga strap or other prop to help support your wrists in poses where they are typically weak.
  • Stretch and strengthen the wrist muscles to improve stability and support.
  • Vist a professional if pain persist:  They can help you identify the source of the problem and offer the necessary treatment. 

If the discomfort in your wrists is really bothering you, it might be a good idea to take a break for a while. Let your wrists heal up, and then try practicing again slowly, using the right props and modifications.

Listen to ypur body and don’t push yourself too hard. If something hurts, don’t do it. Yoga is about finding balance and ease, not pain. So, take it easy and let your wrists recover so you can continue your practice without any discomfort. Namaste!

What are the most common causes of wrist pain during yoga practice?

There are many potential causes of wrist pain during yoga practice.Some causes include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and arthritis. If you experience wrist pain during yoga class, it is important to identify the source and take steps to correct it. This may require modifying your practice or seeking help from a health professional. Ignoring wrist pain can lead to long-term damage, so it is crucial to take action when you notice any discomfort.

1. Carpal tunnel syndrome: 

One of the causes of wrist pain during yoga is carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by compression of the median nerve. This causes tingling, pain and numbness, in the hand and arm. 

2. Arthritis: 

Another common cause of wrist pain is arthritis, which can occur in any joint in the body, including the wrist. Arthritis can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joint. 

3. Tendonitis: 

Finally, yoga can also lead to tendonitis, inflammation of the tendons that attach muscles to bones. This can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. If you are experiencing wrist pain during yoga practice, it is important to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment. 

How to modify your poses if you’re experiencing wrist pain during yoga practice:

If you’re experiencing wrist pain during your yoga practice, there are a few modifications you can make to your poses to help ease the discomfort. For example:

  • In Downward Dog, try keeping your wrists parallel to each other instead of stacking them one on top of the other. 
  • You can also try clasping your hands together in front of you in a Prayer Position to give your wrists more support. 
  • In Camel Pose, keep your hands on your lower back rather than reaching for your heels,
  • In Warrior I, keep your arms parallel to the ground rather than raising them overhead. With a little bit of modification, you can continue to practice yoga safely and comfortably with minimal wrist pain.​

What to do after your yoga practice if you’re experiencing wrist pain

If you’re experiencing wrist pain after your yoga practice, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the discomfort. Here are a few tips:

1. Ice the area for 15 minutes.

2. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

3. Wear a brace or splint to immobilize the area.

4. Elevate the wrist above heart level.

5. Apply heat to the area for 10-15 minutes.

6. Repeat as needed.

If you’re experiencing wrist pain, it’s best to talk to your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

A few helpful tips for preventing wrist pain during your next yoga class

If you are experiencing wrist pain during yoga class, take a few minutes to assess the situation and identify the cause. With a few simple modifications, you can often continue practicing without further discomfort. However, if the pain persists or worsens, it is crucial to see a health professional for diagnosis and treatment. Ignoring wrist pain can lead to long-term damage, so it is vital to take action when you notice any discomfort.

Here are a few helpful tips for preventing wrist pain during yoga practice:

1. Make sure your wrists align with your forearms when you’re in Downward Dog and other poses that use the hands and arms.

2. Keep your shoulder blades pulled down and back, away from your ears. This will help to stabilize your shoulder joint and take some of the pressure off your wrists.

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3. Use a yoga strap or other prop to assist you in extending your arms if needed. This will help reduce stress on the wrists.

4. If you have pain or swelling in your wrists, avoid any poses that put pressure on them and take a break from yoga until the pain subsides. Consult with your doctor if the pain persists.

These steps will help prevent wrist pain during your next yoga class. If you already experience wrist pain, these tips can also help alleviate it. Namaste!

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing wrist pain during yoga, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the discomfort. First, make sure that you’re using proper form and alignment when practicing, as this can help prevent or reduce wrist pain. If the pain is still bothersome, try using a strap or towel to help support your wrists during poses. You can also try adjusting the intensity or difficulty of the poses to see if that makes a difference. Finally, if the pain persists, it’s best to consult with your doctor to see if there might be an underlying cause. Thanks for reading!

Mercy Maina

References :


[0]Fishman, L., Saltonstall, E., & Genis, S. (2009). Understanding and preventing yoga injuries. International journal of yoga therapy, 19(1), 47-53.

[1]Fishman, L., Saltonstall, E., & Genis, S. (2009). Understanding and preventing yoga injuries. International journal of yoga therapy, 19(1), 47-53.

[2]Gura, S. T. (2002). Yoga for stress reduction and injury prevention at work. Work, 19(1), 3-7.

[3]Garfinkel, M. S., Singhal, A., Katz, W. A., Allan, D. A., Reshetar, R., & Schumacher Jr, H. R. (1998). Yoga-based intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized trial. Jama, 280(18), 1601-1603.

[4]Klifto, C. S., Bookman, J. S., Kaplan, D. J., Dold, A. P., Jazrawi, L. M., & Sapienza, A. (2018). Musculoskeletal injuries in yoga. Bulletin of the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, 76(3), 192-197.