Sometimes you know exactly why your wrist hurts, you fell and used your hand to brace for impact, and sometimes you don’t. If your wrist pain came on more gradually, you may be wondering what is causing it? There are several potential reasons why you may be experiencing pain in your wrist, but before we discuss the 5 common causes of wrist pain, let’s take a quick look at the anatomy of your wrist.
Wrist Anatomy
The wrist is formed where the two bones of the forearm – the radius (the larger bone on the thumb side of the arm) and the ulna (the smaller bone on the pinky side) – meet the carpal(wrist) bones. Rather than a single joint, the wrist is a complex joint of eight small bones, with ligaments, tendons and muscles. The unique formation of bones and ligaments is what gives your wrist a wide range of movements: up and down; side to side, and around in a circle. Damage to any of the components can cause wrist pain.
| Check out the video “Relieve TFCC & Wrist Pain with the Wrist POP Splint” – View Video |
5 Common Causes of Wrist Pain
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common cause of wrist pain. Carpal Tunnel develops when the median nerve that runs from the forearm through the wrist gets mashed and inflamed. Because the nerve is damaged, sensory impulses aren’t transmitted the way they should be. You may initially feel itchiness, numbness, or burning in your fingers and hand.
2. Repetitive Stress Injuries – (Also known as Overuse Injuries) are caused by activities and sports requiring the same motion over and over. This repetitive motion can irritate your nerves and tendons resulting in wrist pain, swelling, and loss of muscle strength. Activities ranging from hammering to playing tennis or pickleball to typing – all done repetitively can cause stress. Even light activities such as cleaning, painting. playing cornhole or gardening can cause wrist pain. One example of a common overuse condition is de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (also known as Mommy’s thumb). This repetitive stress injury causes inflammation and swelling in the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist and up the side of your wrist and forearm.
3. Arthritis – Can cause swelling, loss of mobility, and stiffness, and can occur in any joint, including the wrist. Arthritis may begin with mild symptoms but can progress causing pain and loss of movement.
4. Tendinitis – When repetitive stress injuries cause swelling or irritation of a tendon, this is called tendinitis. In the early stages, tendinitis may create burning feelings, shooting pains, fatigue or weakness, but continued stress causes the tissues around the joint to become inflamed, causing even more pain.
5. Injury, Sprain or Fractures – falling onto an outstretched hand can cause injury, sprain or fractures to your wrist. Pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, and tenderness in your wrist are all common symptoms. A TFCC injury or tear (triangular fibro-cartilage complex) can occur during an accident, such as falling on your hand and can cause chronic wrist pain. Sometimes called a wrist sprain, TFCC can be very painful and cause loss of motion.
What You Can Do For Your Wrist Pain
The best treatments for wrist pain are prevention, rest and support to your wrist. Wrist splints and braces that support, stabilize and protect can be worn to give your wrist time to heal.
Splints that can help include the ultra light Fix Comfort Wrist Brace with tri layer foam cushioning offers excellent wrist support without bulkiness to relieve symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and to rest and heal ligament injuries.
The WS6 Compression Wrist Sleeve for light support and pain relief for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Arthritis, Wrist Strain or Tendinitis.
The 3pp Ez FIT ThumSpica Splint immobilizes your thumb and supports your wrist to help reduce pain from de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Mommy’s Thumb)
The 3pp® Wrist Wrap NP for moderate support for Arthritis, Tendinitis, or Wrist Sprains
The 3pp Wrist POP Splint to reduce the pain from TFCC injuries and other causes of wrist pain.
As with any health concern, if your pain and swelling continues, it’s important to consult with your health care provider to find out why your wrist hurts and the recommended treatment.
Like what you’ve read? Click here to subscribe to the blog!
Learn More About Braces to Help with Your Wrist Pain
Click on the image below
Our blogs are educational in nature and are not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Because your condition is unique to you, it is recommended that you consult with your health care provider before attempting any medical or therapeutic treatments. We are always happy to answer questions about products mentioned in our blogs, however, we cannot provide a diagnosis or medical advice.
About the Author:
Ginny Wolfe has been a dedicated team member at Oh My Arthritis (OMA) for over a decade. Her knowledge and expertise of OMA’s orthopedic products play a vital role in providing valuable health and wellness information. This information effectively showcases the benefits and features of their products, empowering customers to make informed choices.
OMA is celebrated for its dedication to improving the lives of those living with arthritis, injuries, and various health conditions. With a mission to deliver innovative and effective solutions, OMA has earned trust by offering products that alleviate pain and enhance joint mobility. Known for its premium splints, braces, and supports, OMA empowers individuals to maintain an active lifestyle while finding relief.
I have been having some wrist pain lately, and I was wondering if anyone has had any luck treating it with splints? I’ve had some success with ice packs and pain relievers, but I’d like to find a longer-term solution if possible. I think I understand the causes of wrist pain now, and I’m confident that I can do some things to prevent it from getting worse. Your article was very informative and helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Seneca, Splints and braces help to support and protect your injured bones, joints, ligaments and other parts of your body. Wearing a splint or brace can help decrease your pain, improve your function, and help speed up the healing process. From soft fabrics to molded plastics, braces, splints and supports can help. When choosing a brace, it’s important to consider what joints and muscles are affected and the severity of your condition. Our customer service team is available at service@ohmyarthritis.com or through Live Chat to help answer your questions and provide additional information on splints and braces. I hope this helps!
Good morning, I have been suffering from wrist pain for a long time now what could be the issue, the wrist also grow tiny as well, could it be caused by hepatitis? because I was diagnosed of hepatitis b years back . please I need to have a clue about what is going on with me.
Terry, We’re very sorry to hear about the wrist pain you’ve been experiencing. As we are not medical professionals we are unable to provide medical advice or diagnose health conditions. Your symptoms could be due to a variety of causes, and it’s important to get a professional evaluation to determine the underlying issue. We strongly recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They have the knowledge and tools to provide you with accurate information and appropriate treatment options. We wish you all the best and hope you get the necessary help soon.
stretching or extending my fingers is extremely painful for my wrist. I find it difficult to hold a glass of water when these attacks occur. Could be either wrist. Typing is a chore. Ibuprophen is a help. No swelling. Just pain. Difficult to bend my 2 middle fingers. Any suggestions? Ellie
Ellie, We are very sorry to hear about your wrist pain. While we can offer insights on various health conditions, it is important to note that we are not medical professionals and are unable to provide you with a diagnosis. We suggest that you reach out to your healthcare provider to receive an accurate diagnosis and explore the appropriate treatment options. We sincerely hope that you find relief soon.
I drive a truck with shifting can that cause wrist pain.
i woke up with a sore painful wrist, what shall I do for the pain?
My hands hurt when bending them, my wrist hurts sometimes when bending them, and I have pain in my forearm. I used to take Karate years ago.