Wrist Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options Q&A

Whether caused by a sprain, a fracture, or an overuse injury, wrist pain can be disruptive and lead to long-term issues, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. Some of the key symptoms of wrist pain to be aware of include:

• Persistent discomfort: Ongoing pain in your wrist, whether it’s a dull ache or sharp, stabbing sensations, should be evaluated by a medical professional. Your doctor will ask you about when your pain started and whether it worsens when you perform certain activities.

• Limited range of motion: If you feel pain when bending the wrist forward, backward, or side to side, or have difficulty gripping or lifting objects, it’s a sign of wrist joint problems.

• Signs of inflammation: Swelling, redness, and warmth around the wrist are clear indicators of inflammation. These symptoms are common in both acute injuries and chronic condition flare-ups.

• Signs of nerve compression: If you experience numbness or a tingling sensation, particularly in your thumb, index finger, or middle finger, it is indicative of nerve involvement. Carpal tunnel syndrome often causes these kinds of symptoms.

Wrist pain may be caused by:

• Repetitive stress: If you commonly perform activities that strain the wrist, such as certain sports or frequent texting or typing on a computer, you may develop a repetitive stress injury in this joint.

• Trauma or injury: Wrist pain may be caused by trauma, such as a fall, and result in fractures, sprains, or strains. A common injury is a distal radius fracture, often referred to as a “broken wrist.”

• Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the wrist wears down over time. Osteoarthritis can lead to chronic wrist pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: In this autoimmune disorder, the immune system causes inflammation in the body’s tissues, including the joints. In the wrist, RA can lead to pain, swelling, and joint deformity.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Wrist pain that is accompanied by nerve pain, such as numbness or tingling, points to carpal tunnel syndrome. When there is increased pressure on the median nerve, carpal tunnel syndrome is likely to occur.

If you’ve hurt your wrist or are experiencing unusual symptoms, it’s a good idea to have the joint assessed by a doctor. In some cases, mild wrist pain may resolve on its own with at-home care. However, if your wrist pain is worsening or has not improved with home care in a week or two, it’s time to see a specialist. In addition, those who experience loss of sensation near the affected joint, are unable to perform daily tasks due to wrist discomfort or have a high temperature along with their pain should see a doctor promptly about their symptoms.

Furthermore, if you have diabetes, hand problems can be more serious, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you notice any concerns. When you see a wrist pain doctor, they will assess the joint thoroughly to accurately diagnose the cause of your discomfort.

Wrist pain can be a minor inconvenience or a significant disruption to your daily life. For instance, if you have a history of conditions like arthritis or have sustained a wrist injury, ongoing pain management may be necessary. Additionally, signs of inflammation, nerve damage, and reduced functionality of the wrist should be evaluated by a pain management professional.

By consulting a pain management specialist, you can prevent your wrist pain from leading to complications or impacting your overall wellness. The knowledgeable professionals at Northstar Joint and Spine can pinpoint the root cause of your concerns and provide personalized management to relieve your symptoms. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online now! We are conveniently located at 7704 San Jacinto Pl Suite #200 Plano, TX 75024. We serve patients from Plano TX, Willow Bend TX, Frisco TX, Allen TX, Addison TX, North Dallas TX, and surrounding areas.