Wrist Pain
Definition:
Wrist pain is any pain or discomfort in the wrist.
Causes:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This occurs when the median nerve gets compressed at the wrist due to swelling of structures in the carpal tunnel or narrowing due to the bones of the carpal tunnel.
- Injury: Wrist pain with bruising and swelling is often a sign of an injury. This can include sprains, strains, tendinitis, bursitis, and cartilage injuries. Fractures (broken bones) are also a common injury.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is another common cause of wrist pain, swelling, and stiffness. Different types of arthritis can affect the wrist, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and infectious arthritis.
- Gout: This occurs when your body produces too much uric acid.
- Pseudogout: This occurs when calcium pyrophosphate crystals deposit in the joints.
Symptoms
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: aching, burning, numbness, or tingling in your palm, wrist, thumb, or fingers. The thumb muscle can become weak, making it difficult to grasp things. Pain may radiate up to your elbow.
- Injury: Signs of a possible broken bone include deformed joints and inability to move the wrist, hand, or a finger. There can also be cartilage injuries in the wrist.
- Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: Occurs with age and overuse.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Generally affects both wrists.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Usually accompanies psoriasis.
- Infectious arthritis: Is a medical emergency. Signs of an infection include redness and warmth of the wrist, fever above 100°F (37.7°C), and recent illness.
- Pseudogout: causes pain, redness, and swelling. The wrists and knees are most often affected.
Diagnosis
During the physical examination:
- Check your wrist for tenderness, swelling, or deformity.
- Ask you to move your wrist to check for a decrease in your range of motion.
- Check your grip strength and forearm strength.
Imaging tests:
- X-ray: This is the most commonly used test for wrist pain.
- CT scan: This scan can provide more-detailed views of the bones.
- MRI: May be used to visualize soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
Treatment
A physical therapist can implement specific treatments and exercises for wrist injuries and tendon problems. Other treatments may include:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
- Pain relievers (over-the-counter or prescription)
- Splinting or casting
- Injections (corticosteroids)
- Surgery (in some cases)
