Wrist pain is more than just an inconvenience—it can interfere with your ability to work, perform daily activities, and enjoy hobbies. From typing to sports to simply catching yourself during a fall, your wrists take on a lot of stress. Understanding what causes wrist pain is the first step to finding relief and preventing further injury.
Common Causes of Wrist Pain
Wrist pain can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Here are some of the most common culprits:
1. Sprains
A wrist sprain occurs when a ligament—tissue connecting bone to bone—is stretched or torn. Sprains are often caused by falling on an outstretched hand or from sudden twisting or bending of the wrist. Common symptoms include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Limited range of motion
- A feeling of instability
2. Tendonitis
Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons, often due to overuse or repetitive motion. Activities such as tennis, golf, typing, or using hand tools can all lead to wrist tendonitis. A specific form, DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, affects the tendon near the thumb and is especially common in new parents or people who text frequently.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist. It can result from repetitive strain, wrist position, injury, or underlying conditions. Symptoms include:
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers
- Wrist pain
- Weak grip strength
- Pain radiating up the arm
4. Arthritis
There are several forms of arthritis that affect the wrist:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Wear-and-tear damage to cartilage over time
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition attacking joint tissue
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after an injury like a fracture
All types can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling, limiting wrist movement and function.
5. Ganglion Cysts
These are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or around wrist joints or tendons. Though benign, ganglion cysts can become painful or interfere with wrist motion—especially if they press on nearby nerves.
6. Fractures
Wrist fractures often occur from falls, sports injuries, or accidents. The most common are:
- Distal radius fracture: A break in the larger forearm bone near the wrist
- Scaphoid fracture: A break in a small bone near the base of the thumb
Both types can cause intense pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced mobility.
7. Repetitive Stress and Overuse Injuries
Long hours spent typing, texting, gaming, or working with tools can lead to chronic stress on the wrist’s tendons and joints. This repetitive strain gradually inflames soft tissues and can eventually lead to long-term damage if not managed early.
8. Underlying Health Conditions
Certain systemic conditions can contribute to wrist pain, such as:
- Diabetes: May increase risk of nerve compression syndromes like carpal tunnel
- Gout or Lupus: Inflammatory conditions that can affect joints
When to See a Doctor
You should seek professional care if:
- The pain persists or worsens over time
- You experience numbness or tingling
- There's visible swelling or bruising
- You can’t move or bear weight on the wrist
Delaying care can lead to complications, especially if the root cause is a fracture, arthritis, or a nerve compression issue.
Diagnosing Wrist Pain
Diagnosis typically includes:
- A physical exam
- Imaging (X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound)
- Functional tests to evaluate grip strength, mobility, and nerve function
These assessments help determine whether the issue is musculoskeletal, neurological, or both.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity but often includes:
- Rest and Immobilization: Splints or braces to reduce strain
- RICE Protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation for acute injuries
- Medications: Anti-inflammatories or corticosteroid injections
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening, stretching, and ergonomic correction
- Interventional Techniques: Such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, trigger point injections, or ultrasound-guided procedures
- Surgery: For unresolved nerve compression, severe fractures, or ligament damage
Preventing Wrist Pain
While some wrist injuries are unavoidable, many can be prevented with simple lifestyle adjustments:
- Use ergonomic equipment for typing and desk work
- Stretch and warm up before sports or repetitive tasks
- Take frequent breaks during prolonged activities
- Wear protective gear when engaging in high-risk sports
- Strengthen your wrist and forearm muscles
Final Thoughts
Wrist pain can stem from a variety of causes—some minor, some serious—but all of them can impact your quality of life. Whether you're dealing with overuse, injury, or a chronic condition, early evaluation and tailored treatment are essential. Don’t wait for wrist pain to take control of your routine—seek help from a specialist and take steps to protect your mobility and comfort.
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has two convenient locations in Richmond Hill – Queens, and New Hyde Park – Long Island. Call the Queens office at (718) 215-1888 or (516) 419-4480 for the Long Island office to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialists, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko or Dr. Sonny Ahluwalia.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
