Why Does My Wrist Hurt? Common Causes and When to See an Orthopaedic Specialist

Key Pointers

Wrist pain can be caused by injury, inflammation, nerve compression, or joint degeneration.
Symptoms may include stiffness, swelling, tingling, numbness, or reduced grip strength.
Common diagnoses include tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist sprains, and arthritis.
Early assessment helps prevent long-term stiffness, nerve damage, and chronic pain.
Treatment options range from rest and physiotherapy to injections or surgery for severe cases.

Why Does My Wrist Hurt? Common Causes and When to See an Orthopaedic Specialist

Wrist pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages. It may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually due to repetitive strain. Because the wrist is made up of multiple small bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, even mild inflammation can cause significant discomfort or limit daily activities.

Understanding the source of wrist pain helps guide the right treatment and prevent long-term complications.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Wrist Pain?

Wrist pain can arise from a variety of conditions, including:

1. Sprains and Strains

Often caused by falls, lifting heavy objects, or sudden twisting motions.
Symptoms: swelling, pain with movement, reduced grip strength.

2. Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis

Repetitive hand movements –from typing, texting, or lifting– can inflame the wrist tendons.
Common conditions:

General tendonitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (pain on the thumb side)

3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of the median nerve inside the wrist’s carpal tunnel.
Symptoms:

Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
Night pain
Weak grip

4. Arthritis

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect wrist joints.
Symptoms:

Stiffness
Swelling
Reduced range of motion

5. Wrist Fractures

A fall onto an outstretched hand is the most common cause.
Symptoms: sudden severe pain, bruising, swelling, deformity.

Could My Wrist Pain Be from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a frequent cause of wrist and hand discomfort, especially among office workers.
It occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed due to swelling or repetitive motion.

Treatment options:

Wrist splints
Rest and activity modification
Physiotherapy
Steroid injections
Surgery if symptoms persist

Is My Wrist Pain Related to Tendon or Ligament Injury?

Repetitive strain, sports injuries, or overuse can inflame the wrist tendons.
Signs include:

Pain on the thumb or pinky side
Swelling
Pain when gripping or lifting

Rest, ice, physiotherapy, and temporary bracing often help.

Can Arthritis Cause Long-Term Wrist Pain?

Yes. Arthritis can cause chronic pain and stiffness in the wrist.
Treatments may include medication, splinting, and strengthening exercises to maintain mobility.

When Is Wrist Pain a Sign of Something More Serious?

Seek medical review if you experience:

Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
Numbness, tingling, or weakness
Sudden swelling after a fall
Difficulty gripping or twisting objects

These symptoms may indicate significant tendon, ligament, nerve, or bone injury.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why does my wrist hurt when typing or lifting? This may be due to tendonitis or nerve compression from repetitive movements.

2. Should I wear a wrist brace for pain? A neutral-position wrist brace may help temporarily, but prolonged use should be guided by an orthopaedic specialist.

3. How do I know if my wrist pain is from a fracture or sprain? A fracture often causes severe pain, swelling, and bruising. X-rays are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

4. Can wrist pain improve without treatment? Mild cases may improve, but persistent symptoms should be assessed to avoid long-term damage.

5. Is surgery always needed for wrist pain? No. Most conditions respond well to non-surgical treatment. Surgery is considered only when conservative care fails.