The wrist is a very important joint in the body as we use it hundreds of times during the day.
Wrist pain can prevent us from performing many of our day-to-day activities, such as using our phone, typing on a keyboard, cooking a meal, driving, and more.
Pain in the wrist is a nuisance as hand-wrist pain can get in the way of our daily living.
Appropriate and timely treatment of wrist pain can improve its prognosis, and most people find relief after seeking conservative treatment for their wrist pain without the need for invasive procedures.
What Is Wrist Pain?
Wrist pain is a common symptom stemming from various health conditions and injuries that affect the wrist. It can result from sudden injuries like sprains or fractures, as well as from chronic issues such as repetitive stress, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Most cases of wrist pain are mild and can resolve with rest and at-home treatment.
Wrist Pain Common Causes
Wrist pain can be caused by various factors. Some of the most common causes of wrist pain include:
- Traumatic Injuries (sudden impacts, falls, sprains and strains)
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Repetitive Stress
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
- Tendonitis (inflammation of the wrist tendons)
Dealing with Any of the Wrist Pain Causes?
Book a Treatment Session with Our Practitioners Now!
How Serious Can Wrist Pain Become?
Wrist pain can vary widely in severity, ranging from mild and temporary discomfort to more serious and chronic issues. The outcome depends on the underlying cause and its intensity.
While some cases can be alleviated with rest and home care, others may lead to persistent discomfort, limited mobility, and disruption of daily activities. In such instances, it is essential to seek medical evaluation and treatment to prevent long-term complications and functional limitations.
Whether wrist pain is related to tendons, ligaments, or nerves, consulting a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist, is advised to determine the cause and avoid worsening over time.
In cases involving trauma, obtaining an X-ray to rule out fractures is crucial before pursuing conservative therapy options.
Ultimately, the seriousness of wrist pain necessitates an assessment by a healthcare professional tailored to the individual’s unique condition and symptoms.
Wrist Pain Diagnosis and Treatment
Accurate diagnosis of wrist and hand pain enables tailored treatment plans. For fractures, rest and bracing are typical until healing is evident.
Soft tissue injuries often respond well to manual therapies like the Active Release Technique, joint mobilizations, adjustments, and strengthening exercises, proving effective in hand-wrist pain treatment.
Other wrist pain treatment options include:
- Self-care Strategies (rest, icing, compression)
- Physical Therapy
- Medications
- Surgery