Wrist Pain 

Wrist pain is a common complaint, with many possible causes.  The wrist is a complex joint made up of eight small bones arranged in two rows between the bones in the forearm and the bones in the hand.  Tough bands of ligament connect the wrist bones to each other, and to the forearm bones and hand bones.
 

 Anatomy of the Wrist

Bones of the Wrist

Ligaments in the Wrist (palm side)

Ligaments of the Wrist (top)

Damage to any of the parts of the wrist can cause pain and affect one’s ability to use the wrist and hand.  Many types of wrist pain are caused by sudden injuries that result in sprains or fractures.  Wrist pain also can be caused by more long-term problems — such as repetitive stress, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.  Because so many factors can lead to wrist pain, diagnosing the exact cause of long-standing wrist pain sometimes can be difficult.  A precise diagnosis is crucial, however, because proper treatment depends on the cause and severity of your wrist pain.  Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poor healing, reduced range of motion, and long-term disability.

If you are unsure of the cause of your wrist pain, or if you do not know the specific treatment recommendations for your condition, you should seek medical attention.  Treatment for these conditions must be directed at the specific cause of the problem.  Some signs that you should be seen by a doctor include:

• Inability to carry objects or use the arm 
• Injury that causes deformity of the joint 
• Wrist pain that occurs at night or while resting 
• Wrist pain that persists beyond a few days
• Inability to straighten or flex the joint 
• Swelling or significant bruising around the joint or forearm 
• Signs of an infection, including fever, redness, warmth
• Any other unusual symptoms of the wrist.
  

Some of the Injuries and Medical Conditions Causing Wrist Pain

Sudden impact.  The most common method of injuring your wrist is when you fall forward onto your outstretched hand. This can cause sprains, strains and even fractures.

Repetitive stress.  Any activity that involves repetitive wrist motion can inflame the tissues around joints or cause stress fractures, especially when you perform the movement for hours on end without a break.

Learn more about the following medical conditions by clicking on the topic below.

Avascular Necrosis or Osteonecrosis and Kienbock's disease

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

De Quervain Syndrome

Ganglion Cysts

Lunotriquetral Tear

Osteoarthritis

Radioulnar Ligament Tear

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Scapholunate Instability

Synovial Cyst

Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC)

Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Thumb