Wrist Pain: A Comprehensive Guide - Thomson Medical

What is wrist pain?

Wrist pain is discomfort or soreness in the area where your hand meets your forearm. It can occur for many reasons, including injuries, repetitive movements, or underlying medical conditions. 

Depending on its severity, wrist pain can significantly affect your daily activities. Simple tasks like typing on a keyboard, holding a cup, or even opening a door can become challenging or painful. 

This discomfort makes it harder to perform everyday tasks and physical activities, potentially leading to frustration, reduced productivity, and decreased enjoyment in hobbies. Over time, if left untreated, this pain can limit your range of motion and affect your overall quality of life. 

Common causes of wrist pain

Injuries:

• Wrist sprains and strains: 

  • Acute injuries like these occur when the ligaments or muscles around the wrist joint are overstretched or torn, usually due to a fall or sudden movement during physical activities.

• Fractures: 

  • A fractured wrist bone can occur from falling onto an outstretched hand. It's characterised by sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist.

• Wrist tendonitis: 

  • Wrist tendonitis involves inflammation of the tendons in the wrist, commonly from repetitive use. It often causes aching and stiffness.

Repetitive stress:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: 

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist's carpal tunnel. It leads to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand.

• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: 

  • This is an inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain during thumb movements or when gripping.

Arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis: 

  • Osteoarthritis happens when the wear and tear of the cartilage between the bones in the wrist can cause pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: 

  • Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects your joints, including those in the wrist. It leads to chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Ganglion cysts:

These are fluid-filled lumps that form on the wrist and can cause discomfort, especially if they press on nearby nerves.

Other causes:

• Gout: 

  • Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe wrist pain.

• Kienböck's Disease: 

  • A condition where the small bones in the wrist lose blood supply, leading to wrist pain, stiffness, and swelling over time.

When should I see a doctor for wrist pain?

While mild wrist pain can often be managed at home, certain symptoms indicate it's time to seek medical attention:

• Severe pain: 

  • Lingering pain from accidents or falls can be a sign of a broken wrist or other serious injury. However, chronic wrist pain without any obvious cause may be a warning sign of more serious issues.

• Swelling or bruising: 

  • That affects your wrist motion and doesn’t improve within a few days.

• Numbness or tingling: 

  • Particularly if it affects your fingers, which may suggest nerve involvement (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome).

• Inability to move the wrist or fingers: 

  • A loss of movement in your fingers, particularly if they feel weak or appear deformed.

• Pain that worsens or doesn’t improve: 

  • After several days of rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

• Redness, warmth, or fever: 

  • These may indicate an infection or inflammatory condition.

If the symptoms of your wrist pain are severe enough to affect your everyday activities or are getting worse over time, don’t hesitate to request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Wrist pain might seem like a simple issue, but it can lead to long-term consequences if not treated properly. If your wrist pain symptoms are affecting your normal activities, consult with a healthcare professional today for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Treatments for wrist pain

Your treatment options depend on the underlying cause and may include:

• Rest and ice: 

  • Hold your wrist injury against an ice pack to reduce inflammation and prevent further injury.

• Splints or braces: 

  • For more serious injuries, your wrist joint may be wrapped in a splint to allow healing.

• Physical therapy: 

  • Depending on the severity of your wrist pain, you might need to consult a physical therapist for treatments and exercises that strengthen the wrist and improve mobility.

• Medications: 

  • Including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation.

• Surgery: 

  • In severe cases, such as fractures, severe carpal tunnel syndrome, or advanced arthritis, surgery may be needed to repair the damage.

Are there exercises that can help with wrist pain?

Yes, gentle exercises can help strengthen your wrist joint, improve wrist ligament flexibility, and reduce pain over time. Here are some helpful exercises:

• Wrist stretches: 

  • Extend your arm and gently pull back your fingers with the opposite hand, holding for 15–30 seconds.

• Wrist flexor and extensor stretches: 

  • Bend your wrist forward and backward slowly, holding the stretch for a few seconds in each direction.

• Wrist curls: 

  • Hold a light weight in your hand, resting your forearm on a table, and slowly curl your wrist up and down.

Preventing wrist pain

Some of the steps you can take to prevent wrist pain are:

• Take frequent breaks from activities like typing, writing, or using tools.

• Practice ergonomic positioning at your desk to keep your wrists in a neutral position.

• Stretch and strengthen your wrists and hands regularly to maintain flexibility.

• Use wrist supports or braces if needed, particularly during activities that strain the wrist.

FAQs

Can wrist pain go away on its own?

Yes. Depending on your health conditions, mild wrist pain from minor injuries or overuse may go away with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. However, if the pain persists or worsens, or if you have signs of a more serious issue (like numbness or inability to move the wrist), it’s best to see a doctor for an evaluation.

How long does it take for wrist pain to heal?

The healing time for wrist pain depends on your general health conditions as well as the cause and severity of your wrist pain:

• Minor injuries like sprains may heal within a few weeks with rest and proper care.

• More serious issues like fractures or carpal tunnel syndrome may take longer and could require medical treatment, including physical therapy or surgery.

• Chronic conditions like arthritis may require ongoing management, but symptoms can be alleviated with treatment.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome, and what are its symptoms?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

• Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects.

• Pain that may radiate up the arm. It’s often caused by repetitive motions, such as typing or using tools.

Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before starting exercises if you have significant pain or an injury.

Is wrist pain common during pregnancy?

Yes, many pregnant women experience wrist pain, often due to pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome. This occurs because of fluid retention and swelling, which puts pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Wrist splints, avoiding repetitive movements, and elevating your hands at night can help alleviate symptoms.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request for an appointment with Thomson Medical today.