Wrist Pain

What is wrist pain?

Wrist pain is any pain or discomfort in your wrist joint. Your wrist is a complex joint made of:

• Bones.
• Muscles.
• Nerves.
• Tendons
• Ligaments.
• Blood vessels.

Wrist pain can be a symptom of many health conditions and injuries that affect your wrist. Most cases of wrist pain are mild and will go away on their own with rest and at-home treatment. Visit a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing wrist pain that doesn’t go away in a few days, or if the pain is getting worse.

Wrist pain location

A healthcare provider might classify wrist pain based on which side of your wrist is painful:

• Ulnar wrist pain: Pain on the same side of your wrist as your ulna, one of the bones in your forearm. The ulnar side of your wrist is the side your pinkie finger is on.
• Radial wrist pain: Pain on the same side of your wrist as your radius, the other bone in your forearm. The radial side of your wrist is the side your thumb is on.

A healthcare provider will diagnose and treat the cause of your wrist pain, no matter which side it’s on.

What are the most common causes of wrist pain?

Injuries and health conditions that affect the bones and tissue in your wrist are the most common causes of wrist pain.

Injuries that cause wrist pain

Any physical damage to your wrist can cause pain. Some of the most common injuries that cause wrist pain include:

• Overuse and repetitive strain injuries.
• Wrist sprains.
• Sports injuries.
• Falls.
• Bone fractures.
• Nerve injuries or pinched nerves.

Health conditions that cause wrist pain

Health conditions can often cause wrist pain. This type of wrist pain tends to build up over time (instead of happening all at once like a sprain or fracture). Some of the most common causes of wrist pain include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Wrist tendinitis.
• Wrist arthritis.
• Bursitis.
• Ganglion cysts.
• Infections.
• Kienböck’s disease.

How is wrist pain treated?

Which treatments you’ll need depends on what’s causing pain in your wrist. You might be able to relieve wrist pain with at-home treatments. A healthcare provider will suggest treatment options and tell you how long you’ll need them.

Some of the most common treatments for wrist pain include:

• Rest: Taking a break from work, hobbies or sports that caused a wrist injury will give your wrist time to heal.
• Icing: Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin (wrap the ice pack in a towel or washcloth).
• Anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — such as naproxen or ibuprofen — relieve pain and reduce swelling. Your healthcare provider might also prescribe corticosteroids (prescription medications that treat inflammation).
• Ergonomic adjustments: Changing your hand’s position during repetitive motions can reduce stress on the wrist that’s causing pain.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can give you exercises to increase your wrist’s strength and flexibility.
• Immobilization: You might need to wear a cast, splint or brace to hold your wrist in place and take pressure off it while it heals.
• Surgery: You may need surgery to remove a growth or repair nerve compression, tendon or ligament tears, fix fractures or treat arthritis. Wrist surgery can be open or arthroscopic.

What’s the best thing to do to prevent wrist pain?

Many people with wrist pain use a computer and keyboard every day. These steps can help prevent wrist pain:

• Lower your keyboard so your wrists don’t bend upward when you type.
• Take periodic breaks from typing and rest your hands.
• Use a wrist rest with your keyboard, mouse or trackpad.
• Alternate your “mouse hand” or train yourself to use a mouse with your non-dominant hand.

Follow these general safety tips to reduce your risk of an injury to your wrists:

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Wear the right protective equipment for all work, activities and sports.
• Make sure your home and workspace are free from clutter that could trip you or others.
• Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach things. Never stand on chairs, tables or countertops.
• Use a cane, walker or other assistive devices if you have difficulty walking or have an increased risk for falls.

When should I visit a healthcare provider if I have wrist pain?

Visit a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing wrist pain that doesn’t get better in a few days or if the pain gets worse over time. You should also see a provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

• You can’t move your hand, wrist or fingers.
• Painful tingling in your wrists or forearms.
• Discoloration or swelling in your forearms, wrists, hands or fingers.
• Wrist pain that lasts more than two weeks after you’ve started treatments.