Causes of Wrist Pain

There are numerous causes of wrist and hand pain. Most of the common causes relate to repetitive tasks, arthritis, or a fall which then leads to a broken or sprained wrist. These occurrences can be prevented and/or managed with awareness and a doctor’s care.

Repetitive stress can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome which causes wrist and hand pain, numbness or tingling. There will also be an inability to move hands or fingers as effectively as before. Most repetitive stress syndromes are the result of pinched nerves, inflamed tissues and stress fractures. Those suffering from repetitive stress pain are typically involved in sports such as tennis, jogging and gymnastics. Office workers and computer users frequently develop this injury as hand and wrist pain. A doctor's wrist pain diagnosis can lead to proper medical treatment to alleviate the symptoms.

Another common cause of wrist pain is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that attacks the wrist bones and joints. Unfortunately, it tends to affect both wrists. If it appears in one wrist it’s likely it’ll appear in the other wrist as well. Osteoarthritis, resulting from bone loss is uncommon in the wrist. Sufferers of this kind of arthritis may notice some pain at the base of the thumb, which can be mistaken for pain in the wrist. Severe shooting pain in wrists and knuckles, coupled with limited range of motion and swelling is usually a sign of arthritis. Doctors can identify arthritis at a doctor's appointment and prescribe medications for the pain and to help keep it from advancing.

Trying to break a fall improperly can lead to a sprained or broken wrist. Torn ligaments and fractured bones can also lead to severe and immediate hand and wrist pain. Common symptoms are immediate pain, a cracking or grinding sound during the fall and rapid swelling. Elevate the wrist and put ice on it to control the swelling. Take a pain reliever to manage the pain. If symptoms don't improve within a few days, the fracture is visible, or the pain is very severe, immediately seek a doctor for an x-ray.

These are just some of the most common causes of hand and wrist pain. There are many more ailments which could cause pain. If conditions doesn’t improve with at-home treatment, be sure to get a wrist pain diagnosis from a doctor.

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