Wrist Pain
Wrist pain is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. It can be a result of an acute injury, such as a sprain or fracture, or it can stem from chronic conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Find our more.
Common Conditions That Cause Wrist Pain
There are a number of conditions that can lead to wrist pain. Due to frequency of use, trauma or other health conditions wrist pain can really get in the way of day to day life. On this page we will cover some of the most common wrist problems, some of their treatment options and some frequently asked questions by patients at our Skelian Clinic in Cheltenham.
Some of the most common are listed below.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when there is excessive pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the wrist via a narrow passage known as the carpal tunnel. This nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand. It houses the median nerve and tendons that bend the finger. Because the carpal tunnel is narrow and rigid, any swelling or inflammation in the area can compress the median nerve and cause pain.
CTS can be caused by several factors, including repetitive motions (like typing or any wrist movements that you do over and over), certain health problems (like arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid gland imbalance), and pregnancy (due to fluid retention).
The compression can also be caused by swelling of tissue around or in the tunnel or by bands of fibrous tissue that form on the palm side of the wrist. When the tunnel becomes narrowed or when the tissue surrounding the flexor tendons (known as synovium) swells, it puts pressure on the median nerve and reduces its blood supply. This abnormal pressure on the nerve can result in numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand.
Symptoms of CTS often start slowly and may come and go. They’re usually worse at night and may include an ache or pain in your fingers, hand, or arm, numb hands, tingling or pins and needles, and a weak thumb or difficulty gripping.
Treatment for CTS varies depending on the severity of the symptoms and may include rest, immobilisation of the wrist, physical therapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if you’re experiencing symptoms of CTS.
Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons in the wrist can cause pain and discomfort.
Tendonitis is a condition that results from inflammation of the tendon, a thick tissue that connects muscles to bones. When it occurs in the wrist, it’s often due to repetitive stress or overuse of the tendons in the wrist, such as frequent typing or performing the same wrist movements over and over.
In the wrist, there are about six tendons that help you control your wrist, hand, and fingers. These tendons are surrounded by a layer of lubricated tissue, called a tendon sheath When the tendons are overused, it can irritate the sheath, leading to inflammation and enlargement2. This makes it harder for the tendons to glide smoothly through the sheath, causing compression on the tendon and making wrist and finger movements painful.
Symptoms of wrist tendonitis may include pain at or around the wrist joint, stiffness or loss of motion in the affected joint, tenderness, mild swelling or thickening. The pain can be gradual or sudden and severe, particularly at the affected part.
Risk factors for wrist tendonitis include:
- repetitive trauma or stress on the wrist,
- poor sporting technique and inappropriate sporting equipment,
- extreme and regular physical effort,
- occupations such as gardening, house cleaning, etc.,
- age (as tendons become weak and less flexible in older people),
- sports such as tennis, basketball, swimming, etc.,
- abnormally placed joints,
- stress from arthritis such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis,
- rarely exercising,
- infections,
- obesity.
Treatment for tendonitis typically involves rest, physiotherapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery. Rest and immobilisation of the wrist can help reduce pain and inflammation. Physiotherapy, including range-of-motion exercises and splinting, can improve movement Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. In severe cases or when conservative treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be considered.
Arthritis
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the wrist, leading to pain and stiffness.
Arthritis typically occurs when the cartilage has been damaged or has worn out for various reasons, which can cause the bones to rub against one another. This rubbing can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the wrist. Over time, the continuous wear and tear can cause the cartilage to wear away, leading to arthritis. Several types of arthritis can affect the wrist, including osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease), and post-traumatic arthritis (which occurs after an injury to the wrist).
Sprains and Fractures
Acute injuries to the wrist, such as sprains and fractures, can cause severe pain.
Sprains and fractures in the wrist can cause pain through different mechanisms.
Sprains
A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which are the tissues connecting bones at a joint, are stretched or torn. This can happen when the wrist is twisted or bent beyond its normal range of motion, often during a fall or sudden impact. Symptoms of a sprained wrist include pain, tenderness, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist or gripping objects.
Fractures
A fracture is a break in the bone. Wrist fractures can cause severe pain that doesn’t subside even after rest, significant swelling, and limited mobility. The pain is due to the damage to the bone and surrounding tissues, and it can be exacerbated by movement or pressure on the affected area.
Both conditions can lead to inflammation and discomfort, making it challenging to perform daily activities. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect a sprain or fracture to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Ganglion Cysts
These noncancerous lumps filled with fluid can develop near the tendons or joints of the wrist, causing pain.
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that typically develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands. They can cause wrist pain through several mechanisms:
- Pressure on Nerves: The cysts may press against a nerve, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness in the hand.
- Joint Movement Interference: If the cysts become large, they can interfere with joint movement, causing discomfort or pain during motion1.
- Muscle Weakness: The presence of a cyst can lead to muscle weakness, which may contribute to pain or discomfort.
- These cysts contain a jelly-like fluid called synovial fluid, which is normally found around joints and tendons to lubricate and cushion them. When this fluid leaks out and collects in a sac, it forms a ganglion cyst. While they are generally harmless, if a ganglion cyst causes significant pain or disrupts daily activities, treatment options such as aspiration or surgery may be considered.
Treatment for Wrist Pain
The treatment for wrist pain largely depends on the underlying cause. For acute injuries, immediate care often involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be recommended.
For chronic conditions, treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Options for wrist pain
There are several treatment options available for wrist pain, including:
- Rest and Immobilisation: Resting the wrist and using a splint or brace can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physiotherapy: Exercises and stretches guided by a physical therapist can help improve flexibility and strength.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: In severe cases or when conservative treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Remember, it’s important to consult with a physiotherapist at Skelian in Cheltenham or a relevant healthcare provider if you’re experiencing wrist pain. They can provide a proper diagnosis and guide you through the appropriate treatment options.
Our team
Dani Cowley
Sports Therapist
“My goal is to help all my patients return to their preferred activity whilst maintaining a pain-free and healthy lifestyle. I always aim to go one step further by minimising the risk of future injury through rehabilitation plans and hands-on therapy.”
Will Norton
Chriopractor
MChiro DC
“ To me Chiropractic approach to pain makes sense. There are many factors at play and I like to address all of these areas by fully understanding each case. I take a multifaceted approach to improve both the short-term and long-term pain”
Jonathan Wride
Specialist Physiotherapist
HCPC MCSP AACP PgC Injection Therapy, MSK Sonographer and Independent Prescriber:
“I’m passionate about giving patients instant access to high-level diagnostics and specialist treatments, helping to reduce the waiting times of patients and hopefully speeding up their recovery.”
Fees
Chiropractic Initial Consultation – £75)
Chiropractic Follow-up treatment – £48
Physiotherapy consultation – £75
Follow up Physiotherapy appointment – £75
Sports Therapy Consultation – £60
Follow up Sports therapy appointment – £35
Opening Times
| Monday | 8.30 – 7.00 |
| Tuesday | 8.30 – 7.00 |
| Wednesday | 8.30 – 7.00 |
| Thursday | 8.30 – 7.00 |
| Friday | 8.30 – 7.00 |
| Saturday | 9:00 – 1:00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
