Wrist Pain

What is wrist pain?

Persistent discomfort or stiffness in the wrist can be a significant hurdle because you’re constantly using your hands and wrists. 

Painful wrists can include additional symptoms that help your providers at Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery make a diagnosis and plan an effective treatment for your wrist pain, including:

• Finger swelling
• Wrist swelling and redness
• Hand weakness or discoordination
• Numbness, tingling, or burning
• Sharp and shooting pain in the hand
• Trouble making a fist

Your treatment at Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery starts with a consultation. 

During this initial visit, you should describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible, including the primary location of the pain in your wrist. Your provider also asks about your day-to-day activities and occupation since wrist pain often comes from repetitive movements. 

What causes wrist pain?

Several conditions and injuries can cause wrist pain. Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery may suggest imaging tests to diagnose or rule out:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when structures within the wrist compress the median nerve traveling through the wrist into your hand. It can come from inflammation due to overuse, swelling from pregnancy, or certain medical conditions like diabetes or arthritis. 

Arthritis

Arthritis can cause wrist pain on its own, even if it doesn’t lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Joint issues like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout cause joint pain and swelling, which can also happen in the wrist. 

Musculoskeletal injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries like sprains, strains, broken bones, and tendonitis are possible causes of wrist pain. 

How can I manage my wrist pain?

The most effective way to manage or treat your wrist pain depends on the cause of the pain and the extent of the damage. 

After using diagnostic tests to evaluate your wrist, Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery creates a treatment plan for you. Treatment might involve a combination of therapies, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. 

Effective treatments for wrist pain include:

• Wrist splints and braces
• Mild pain relievers
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Rest
• Ice
• Physical therapy
• Tendon or ligament repair surgery
• Carpal tunnel release surgery

Surgery is usually a final option after you’ve already undergone other, nonoperative treatments for wrist pain. 

Your providers at  Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery evaluate your wrist with follow-up visits to see how much your wrist pain improves with non-surgical treatment. 

If you experience persistent or severe wrist pain, call Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery for an appointment or schedule online today.