What Are the Causes and Symptoms Wrist Pain?

Wrist pain is common in active individuals, manual laborers, athletes, and aging patients. The most common causes of wrist pain are:

  1. Typically, falling on an outstretched arm.
  2. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis can all affect in the wrist.
  3. Diseases and medical conditions. Carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, and Kienböck’s disease.

Wrist pain may present with any of the following symptoms:

  • Stiffness
  • Weakness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Decrease range of motion
  • Numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the hand and/or fingers

Wrist pain and its associated symptoms are treated by treating the underlying cause.

How is Wrist Pain Treated?

Nonsurgical treatment consists of any, all, or any combination of the following:

  1. Activity modification. Slowing down or stopping painful activities.
  2. A brace, splint, or cast.
  3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Medications that decrease inflammation and pain.
  4. Physical therapy. Stretching and strengthening exercises.
  5. Corticosteroids.

Surgical treatment may be needed for severe wrist injuries/medical conditions. Because there are many types of pain relieving wrist surgeries, interested patients should contact an orthopedic hand surgeon.