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Wrist pain
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Wrist pain is usually associated with broken wrists in small children who have fallen carelessly. In fact, many adults also experience wrist pain. There are many reasons why people suffer from this pain. You need to know them in order to seek medical help in time and not miss the development of diseases.
[ The Most Common Causes of Wrist Pain
A pinched nerve is a situation where a nerve is pinched, most often by a spinal process. This can mean that the wrist hurts and the person experiences "attacks" when the hand is used. For example, everything may be fine at rest, nothing hurts, but when a person tries to lift something, he or she may experience severe pain in the wrist. Sometimes the pain gets worse when the wrist is tense. The cause is difficult to detect, which means it is often difficult to treat properly.
Carpal tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes chronic pain in the wrist due to repetitive motion. It is also called carpal neuropathy. This condition occurs due to overuse of the wrist due to repetitive motions, such as monotonous assembly of small parts or working with a mouse. There are people of certain professions who are more prone to this kind of problem. At risk are professionals who often work with their hands - secretaries, cashiers, office workers.
Trauma - If a person has suffered a wrist injury, it is logical that the result may be wrist pain. As a result of the injury, a person may suffer from muscle and ligament strains, as well as tears or fractures. Depending on the severity of the injury, the wrist may hurt more or less. The effects of a wrist injury are clearly visible on an x-ray.
Arthritis – People who suffer from this condition often develop wrist pain. There are two types of arthritis where wrist pain is a common symptom. These are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, both conditions can cause problems in the joints, bones, and muscle tissues of the wrist.
Kienböck's disease is an osteochondritis of the wrist that most often occurs in young people. It is a constant trauma or a large single injury to the bone that leads to a disruption of blood flow in the wrist area.
Ganglion cysts are tissue degenerations in the wrist area or lumps on the hand. They arise from a soft tissue cyst in the wrist (either the top of the wrist or the opposite side of the palm). Small cysts, according to research, cause more pain than large ones.
Risk groups for wrist pain
- Professional activities can put people with weak hands at risk. People who actively use their hands are at risk.
- Age is another risk factor. Older people are more likely to suffer from wrist problems than younger people due to the gradual deterioration of bone tissue.
- Repeated injuries can also lead to wrist problems. If a person has already suffered a fracture or injury to the wrist, then there is a high probability that wrist pain will bother them again.
Symptoms of Wrist Pain
Wrist pain can be very severe, especially for people who do a lot of hand work. There are more than 25 bones in the human hand and wrist. The wrist joint, which is the most commonly broken or injured, provides flexibility and strength to the hands so that a person can perform a variety of tasks. Since most people use their hands for all sorts of activities, wrist pain can seriously hinder the ability to do even basic work. Wrist pain can interfere with simple things like showering, getting dressed, and preparing food for yourself and your family.
Typically, the pain in the wrist is dull and barely noticeable when it is not used in work. The pain can become more acute when a person begins to use the wrist in work. This becomes a serious problem. There are several causes of pain, and some can be corrected more quickly than others.
How to treat wrist pain?
Anti-inflammatory and pain relievers containing cortisone may help relieve wrist pain.
Physical therapy is very helpful for people suffering from wrist pain. This method can promote the healing of bruises and fractures, and also help relieve pain in the wrist area.
Surgery may be necessary in some cases, depending on the severity of the injury. Although surgery is not a preferred treatment option, it may be the only option for relieving wrist pain.