Top 5 Reasons Your Wrist Might Hurt
Wrist pain can significantly impact your daily life, making simple tasks like typing, lifting, or gripping challenging. The wrist is a complex joint, consisting of multiple bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, making it susceptible to a range of injuries and conditions. Understanding the common causes of wrist pain is the first step toward effective treatment and recovery.
1. Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries, like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, develop over time due to repetitive motions, excessive strain, or prolonged use. These injuries are common among people who work on computers, play sports, or engage in manual labor.
Common Symptoms:
Pain or aching in the wrist
Weakness or reduced grip strength
Tingling, burning, or numbness in the hand or fingers
2. Wrist Sprains and Fractures
Sprains and fractures often result from falls, sports injuries, or accidents. These injuries can range from mild ligament strains to severe bone fractures, causing significant pain and swelling.
Common Symptoms:
Immediate, sharp pain
Swelling and bruising around the wrist
Difficulty moving the wrist or gripping objects
3. Arthritis
Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause chronic wrist pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This condition often develops with age or following previous wrist injuries.
Common Symptoms:
Dull, aching pain
Swelling and joint warmth
Stiffness, especially in the morning
4. Nerve Compression
Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve compression can cause wrist pain due to pressure on the nerves passing through the wrist.
Common Symptoms:
Tingling, numbness, or burning pain
Weakness in the hand or wrist
Electric shock-like sensations
5. Ganglion Cysts
These fluid-filled sacs often form near joints or tendons, causing wrist pain when they press on nearby nerves.
Common Symptoms:
Noticeable lump near the wrist joint
Pain, especially with wrist movement
Reduced range of motion or grip strength
Treatment Options for Wrist Pain
If you’re experiencing persistent wrist pain, seeking professional care from a hand specialist in San Antonio can help you find relief. Common treatment options include:
Rest and Immobilization – Braces and splints to reduce strain.
Hand Therapy – Exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
Medications and Injections – Anti-inflammatory treatments to reduce pain and swelling.
Aspiration or Cyst Removal – For ganglion cysts causing nerve pressure.
Surgery – In severe cases, procedures like nerve decompression or joint fusion may be necessary.
If your wrist pain is affecting your ability to work or perform daily tasks, it’s time to consult a hand and wrist specialist in San Antonio. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications and help you get back to the activities you love.
Are You Experiencing Wrist Pain? Our Team Can Help!
At The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of wrist conditions, from acute injuries to chronic pain. Whether you're dealing with a recent strain, lingering discomfort, or an unexplained ache, our team of hand specialists is here to guide you through every step of your recovery. Schedule a consultation today!
