Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

At some point in their lives, many will have experienced some type of wrist pain. Whether it’s all the typing, repetitive lifting, sports, or normal everyday life, our wrists are always engaged. Despite being one of our smaller joints, the wrist is a very complicated joint made up of small bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to give us the ability to move our hand in many directions. Because of all of this, there are many opportunities for strain and injury that can result in wrist pain.

Wrist pain may feel dull and achy, or sharp and twingy, maybe burning or even stiff. It may have a bit of a bite when it strikes, but for many people the pain often goes away after a brief period of time and with rest. For many people though, the discomfort does not go away and may impair actions as regular as holding a cup, writing, or even using your cellphone. Understanding your possible causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies may assist in managing and ultimately avoiding discomfort.

Common Causes of Wrist Pain

Many factors may contribute to wrist joint pain, including traumatic injury, overuse, and medical conditions.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) – Repetitive strain injury can be one of the most common causes of wrist pain, especially in individuals who may be using a keyboard or mouse for extended periods of time. Over time, repetitive movements can overstrain muscles and tendons in the wrist joint.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes pinched or compressed, resulting in pain, tingling sensations and numbness in the hand.
Tendonitis – Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons surrounding the wrist, usually the result of repetitive use or sudden injury.
Sprains and Fractures – Sudden impacts from a fall or other incident may stretch and/or tear the ligaments in the wrist (sprain) and break the bones in the wrist joint (fracture).
Arthritis – Arthritis can occur from different diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis affecting the wrist with resultant stiffness, swelling, and pain.
Ganglion Cysts – Ganglion cysts are lumps, or non-cancerous masses that develop along the tendons or joints of the wrist, and may cause discomfort or acknowledgeable symptoms.
Sports Injuries – Sports injuries are injuries sustained while participating in activities that place increased stress on the wrist, such as tennis, badminton, cricket, or gymnastics can all lead to overuse injuries in the wrist joint.

Symptoms of Wrist Pain

The symptoms of wrist pain depend on the condition, but could include any of the following…

Pain or stiffness in the wrist joint
Swelling or redness in or around the wrist
Tingling or numbness in the fingers (especially in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome)
Weakness in grip strength
Sharp pain with wrist movement or lifting
Clicking or popping noise in the wrist joint

You should seek a doctor immediately if your wrist pain persists despite rest or if there is swelling, bruising, or inability to move the wrist.

When to See a Doctor

While mild wrist pain can sometimes be treated at home, you should get medical help if:

Pain persists despite rest over a few days
Your wrist has visible swelling, redness, or deformity
You feel numbness or tingling in your fingers
You can’t move your wrist as you normally would
Pain is present following a fall or sudden injury

Waiting to seek treatment for an injury puts you at risk for chronic issues, loss of range of motion, and permanent loss of mobility and/or joint health.

Preventing Wrist Pain

The great news is that you can take small measures in your daily life to reduce your risk of developing wrist discomfort:

1. Maintain Good Ergonomics – Keep your wrists straight when you are typing, adjust your chair and desk height, and/or use an ergonomic mouse or keyboard.
2. Take Breaks – If you work on a computer or engage in repetitive tasks or motions, take short breaks to stretch your hands and/or wrists every 30–40 minutes.
3. Strengthening Exercises – Gentle wrist stretches and wrist strengthening exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
4. Warming Up Before Activities – If you are an athlete or regularly go to the gym, make sure to warm up before you participate in any activity that may put strain on your wrist.
5. Use Proper Technique – If you are lifting weights, playing sports, or doing regular household chores, be aware of your wrist position and ensure it is safe.

Self-Care for Wrist Pain

If you have mild wrist joint pain, you can consider the R.I.C.E method:

Rest – Stop doing anything that causes pain.
Ice – Apply an ice pack for 10 – 15 minutes at a time, ice can help reduce inflammation.
Compression – Use a wrist brace or elastic bandage for support.
Elevation – Keep your wrist above heart-level to reduce swelling.

You may also find over-the counter pain relievers and gentle stretching helpful, but you will need a medical evaluation if the pain persists to determine the underlying cause.

The Importance of Early Attention

Chronic wrist pain needs to be addressed immediately if you want to avoid more serious complications like permanent nerve damage, reduced strength, or stiffness of the joint. Getting a diagnosis early on means you will recover faster and avoid complications down the line.

Our wrists are involved in 98% of the things you do each and every day, from writing and eating to driving and exercising. This is why getting your wrist pain properly diagnosed and treated is important.