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Wrist Injuries: Common Wrist Injuries and Causes of Wrist Pain

An Introduction to Wrist Injuries

Wrist injuries are fairly common and can develop due to participating in sports, repetitive wrist movements, or certain diseases. It’s an easy part of the body to injure as it is several small joints connecting the hand to the forearm, usually in perpetual motion from moving the hands, and the many tendons and ligaments connecting the muscles to bones and bones to other bones.

Explore some of the most common wrist injuries and causes of wrist pain along with the usual treatments available for various wrist conditions below.

Close up young woman wrist pain, health care concept

Wrist Services and Conditions

Wrist Sprains

A sprained wrist is a very common type of injury that can happy to athletes of any sport. It happens when the ligaments that support the wrist are stretched being their limits, tear, or are bent and twisted forcefully.

Wrist Breaks

Wrist breaks, also known as wrist fractures, are broken wrists. Meaning a break in any of the eight small bones that connect the two long forearm bones, called the radius and ulna, and include a break in these forearm bones.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease that attacks the tissues of the joints, of which there are three in the wrist and twenty-seven in the hand. While Arthritis comes in different forms, several of which commonly develop in the joints of the hands and wrist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

People who’ve developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often experience weakness in the hand and wrist, pain, and numbness. Treatments for this condition span the spectrum of lifestyle adjustments to surgical intervention.

Tendinitis (Tendonitis)

Tendinitis, or tendonitis, is an irritation of the tendon that causes it to swell and become inflamed. The condition is considered an overuse injury as it develops from repetitive strain of the affected tendon.

Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Motor functions in the arm are primarily controlled by the radial nerve, including rotating the forearm and straightening the wrist or fingers. When compressed, these simple motions become difficult and painful, a tell-tale sign of radial tunnel syndrome.

Ganglion Cysts

These types of cysts are lumps that typically appear along the tendons or joints, specifically the wrists or hands, but can sometimes develop in the ankles and feet. The direct cause is unknown, but is usually painless, with the only symptoms being its location and the lump being there.

TFCC Tear (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear)

The triangular fibrocartilage complex is a structure made up of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that both stabilizes and connects the bones in the forearm with the bones in the wrist. A TFCC tear usually occurs when a wrist is twisted or fractured, but can also be from age-related wear and tear.

Close-up of man doctor of checking splint the arm of female patient hand due to with her arm broken for better healing with a smile sit in a wheelchair In the room hospital background.

Treatments for Wrist Pain & Injuries

These wrist injury types are all treatable, some with rest and splints, and others with more invasive techniques. Here are the most common treatments for the wrist injuries listed above:

  • RICE Therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Immobilization: Splinting or casting to stabilize the wrist during healing.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and inflammation.
  • Surgery: Rarely needed for severe sprains with ligament tears.
  • Immobilization: Casting or splinting to stabilize the fracture and promote healing.
  • Reduction: If the fracture is displaced, the doctor may need to manipulate the bones back into alignment.
  • Surgery: Internal fixation with pins, screws, or plates may be necessary for complex fractures.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises to restore strength and mobility after the cast is removed.
  • Bracing or Splinting: Wearing a wrist splint at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position and relieve pressure on the median nerve.
  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms.
  • Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve wrist function.
  • Surgery (Carpal Tunnel Release): In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
  • Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms.
  • Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Medications: NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to alleviate pain and inflammation.
  • Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and reduce strain on the tendons.
  • Bracing or Splinting: Immobilizing the wrist to allow for healing.
  • Observation: Small, asymptomatic cysts may not require treatment and can be monitored.
  • Aspiration: Draining the fluid from the cyst using a needle and syringe.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting a corticosteroid medication into the cyst to reduce inflammation and shrink its size.
  • Surgery: Excision of the cyst may be necessary if it is large, painful, or interferes with wrist function.
  • Immobilization: Splinting or casting to immobilize the wrist and allow the tear to heal.
  • Medications: NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises and range of motion exercises to improve wrist stability and function.
  • Surgery: In some cases, particularly if conservative treatments fail, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to repair the tear.