Wrist pain can be mild or severe, or something in between. It can be the result of a trauma fracture, a sprain, some kind of repetitive strain injury or one of a number of possible conditions, both common and rare. Without a diagnosis it is impossible to tell what is causing your wrist pain, which is why it’s important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms.
Wrist pain symptoms
Aside from pain which may vary in severity, wrist injuries or problems in or around the wrist joint can cause:
- Stiffness, swelling or redness.
- Loss of movement in the wrist or hand.
- Hand or wrist weakness.
- A clicking or popping sensation when you move your hand or wrist joint.
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers.
- An increase in pain when making certain movements or at night.
Diagnosing the cause of wrist pain
Wrist pain can affect your ability to use your hand and wrist, which can be debilitating and impact your day-to-day life. During a diagnosis your doctor will examine your wrist and may ask you to make certain movements to assess your levels of pain and mobility. They will discuss how and when your symptoms began and your medical history. Scans such as X-rays, MRI, CT and ultrasound can reveal more about what is going on with the bones and surrounding soft tissues. In some cases, a thin surgical instrument called an arthroscope may be inserted under anaesthetic through a small incision in your skin so the doctor can get a clear look inside the wrist joint.
Common causes of wrist pain
Wrist pain is typically caused by some kind of injury, the onset of arthritis or another condition that affects the wrist. You may be particularly at risk of developing wrist problems if you have a job or hobby that involves making repetitive movements, such as hairdressing or painting and decorating; if you play sports that place your wrists and arms under stress, such as golf or tennis; if you are pregnant or obese, which increases the chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, or if you have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
Injuries can include:
- Traumatic injuries – A sudden fall onto an outstretched hand can result in a wrist strain, sprain or fracture.
- Stress injuries – Making a repetitive movement with your wrist can result in inflammation in the soft tissues around the joint or a stress fracture, which is a crack in the bone. Athletes, musicians and even people who drive for a living may be at risk of stress injuries.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is associated with a loss of cartilage in the joint, normally due to ageing. Wrist osteoarthritis is relatively rare, however if you have injured your wrist in the past you may be at risk.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition which results in the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking the soft tissues. By contrast to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is common in the wrist joint and it tends to affect both wrists simultaneously.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common conditions that causes wrist pain. It is the result of the median nerve, which controls sensation in the three middle fingers and thumb, becoming irritated or compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel – a narrow passageway on the palm side of the hand. It is characterised by tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the fingers, pain in one or both hands which is often worse at night, a burning feeling in the index and middle finger, and weakness. Women are three times more likely than men to develop the condition which will worsen without treatment.
Ganglion cysts are large fluid-filled swellings which occur on the part of the wrist opposite the palm. They tend to be painful and can grow very large.
Treatments for wrist pain
The treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the pain. In the case of arthritis, for example, there is no cure for the condition however there are treatments that can slow the development of the disease and provide relief from symptoms. If you are diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the treatment plan might include injections of anti-inflammatory medication into the carpal tunnel space, splinting your hand to prevent your wrist from moving and ease compression on the nerves at night, adaptations to your working environment or surgery to relieve compression on the nerves as they pass through the carpal tunnel.
Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you based on your diagnosis as well as other factors, such as your age, occupation and general state of health.
Preventing wrist pain
While it’s not always possible to prevent injuries, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing wrist pain. In the home and outside you can reduce your risk of falls by wearing shoes with a good grip and sticking to well-lit areas. Build bone strength by eating a healthy balanced diet and use the right protective equipment when participating in sports.
If you are experiencing wrist pain and would like to discuss a possible diagnosis and treatment options, contact us.
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