Wrist pain is a common problem that can result from many different causes. It may be due to sudden injuries such as sprains or fractures, or from longer-term issues like repetitive stress, arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Because so many factors can lead to wrist pain, diagnosing the exact cause can sometimes be difficult - but an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper wrist pain treatment and healing.
For many people, wrist joint pain is mild and improves with rest, ice, or simple at-home care. In other cases, treatment may involve medication, physiotherapy, splints, or surgery, depending on the underlying condition.
What is wrist pain?
Wrist pain is any pain or discomfort in the wrist joint. The wrist is a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.
Because of this complexity, wrist pain can be a symptom of many different health conditions or injuries. It may result from sudden problems like sprains or fractures, or from longer-term issues such as repetitive stress, arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Most cases of wrist pain are mild and improve with rest and simple at-home treatment. However, if your wrist pain does not go away after a few days, or if it gets worse, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
Symptoms of wrist pain
Wrist pain symptoms vary widely. The type, intensity, and location of your pain often provide important clues about what’s happening in this joint. Common symptoms include:
- Dull, aching wrist pain – often linked to arthritis.
- Sharp or stabbing pain – may occur with sudden injuries such as sprains or fractures.
- Pins and needles or tingling – typical of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, and often worse at night.
- Burning or shooting pain – may be related to nerve compression or irritation.
- Swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement – common with inflammation, tendonitis, or repetitive strain injuries.
- Pain during activity – such as gripping, lifting, typing, or twisting, which can point to overuse or tendon problems.
Chronic wrist pain may feel constant or come and go. It can range from mild discomfort to pain that interferes with sleep, work, or daily activities.
Because there are such wide-ranging wrist pain reasons, from arthritis to nerve compression to injury, it’s important to note the type of pain and when it occurs. This helps healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the right treatment.
When to see a doctor about wrist pain
Not all wrist pain requires medical care. Minor sprains and strains often improve with rest, ice, and pain medicines available from a pharmacist. A pharmacist can advise on safe over-the-counter options and simple supports such as wrist braces.
However, there are times when wrist pain needs medical attention. See a GP if:
- Pain in your wrist is stopping you from doing normal activities
- The pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
- The pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
- You have tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation in your hand or wrist
- You have diabetes (hand problems can be more serious if you have diabetes)
- You feel unwell with a high temperature alongside wrist pain
- Your wrist is painful, warm, swollen, and stiff
Contact NHS 111 urgently if:
- You have severe wrist pain
- You feel faint, dizzy, sick, or shivery with the pain
- You heard a snap, grinding, or popping noise at the time of injury
- You cannot move your wrist or hold things
- Your wrist has changed shape or colour
- You have a lump on your wrist that is very painful, hot, or red (redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- You have lost feeling in part or all of your hand
These may be signs of a broken wrist or an infection, which require urgent care.
Causes of wrist pain
There are many possible wrist pain causes. These include injuries, sudden wrist pain no injury, and chronic wrist pain due to underlying health conditions. Damage to any of the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves in your wrist can cause pain and affect your ability to use your hand.
Injuries that cause wrist pain
Physical damage to the wrist is one of the most common causes. This may include:
- Sprains and strains – often from falls or sudden impacts
- Sports injuries – repetitive or high-impact activities
- Bone fractures – including scaphoid fractures (thumb side of the wrist, sometimes hard to detect on early X-rays)
- Overuse and repetitive strain injuries – from repeated movements such as typing, tennis, or playing instruments
- Nerve injuries or pinched nerves – causing sharp pain, tingling, or weakness
Health conditions that cause wrist pain
Some conditions develop gradually and may cause ongoing or chronic wrist pain:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – pressure on your median nerve, often causing tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand
- Wrist tendinitis – inflammation of tendons, including De Quervain’s disease (pain at the base of the thumb)
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis – cartilage wear, usually after a previous wrist injury
- Rheumatoid arthritis – autoimmune condition often affecting both wrists
- Bursitis – inflammation of fluid-filled sacs around your joint
- Ganglion cysts – smooth lumps on or near your wrist that may be painful or painless
- Infections – causing swelling, warmth, and stiffness
- Kienböck’s disease– rare condition where one of your small wrist bones loses blood supply and collapses
Risk factors for wrist pain
Wrist pain can affect anyone - whether you’re very active, very sedentary, or somewhere in between. However, certain factors can increase your risk:
- Sports participation - wrist injuries are common in sports that involve impact or repetitive stress on your wrist. Examples include football, golf, gymnastics, snowboarding, tennis, and bowling. Falls or sudden impacts during these activities can also lead to sprains or fractures.
- Repetitive work and hobbies - almost any repetitive activity involving your hands and wrists may cause pain over time. This includes typing, assembly line work, hairdressing, knitting, or playing musical instruments. Repetitive strain can inflame tissues, leading to tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Certain health conditions - some medical conditions increase the likelihood of wrist pain, particularly nerve compression or joint problems. These include pregnancy, diabetes, obesity, Rheumatoid arthritis, and gout
Being aware of these risk factors can help you take preventive steps, such as using ergonomic supports, taking regular breaks, and strengthening wrist muscles.
Treatment for wrist pain
Wrist pain treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of your injury or condition. Your age, overall health, and activity level may also have a bearing on the best approach.
Medication
- Over‑the‑counter pain relief - nonprescription medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Prescription medicines - stronger pain relievers may be prescribed for more severe pain.
- Corticosteroid injections - in some cases, injections may be used to reduce swelling and ease pain, particularly for arthritis or tendon problems.
Physiotherapy and exercise for wrist pain
A physiotherapist can recommend specific treatments and exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility in the wrist.
Wrist pain exercises may include gentle stretches, strengthening routines, and techniques to improve grip and reduce stiffness.
An ergonomic evaluation may flag up adjustments to your workplace setup or daily activities that may help prevent repetitive strain injuries.
Splints or supports may be used to protect your wrist while healing from sprains, strains, or overuse injuries.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be required to treat the underlying cause of wrist pain:
- Bone fractures - surgery may be needed to stabilise broken bones using pins, plates, or screws.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome - severe cases may require carpal tunnel release surgery, where the ligament pressing on the nerve is cut to relieve pressure.
- Tendon or ligament repair - surgery may be necessary if tendons or ligaments are ruptured.
- Arthroscopy - a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat wrist problems using small instruments and a camera.
Learn more about Hand and Wrist Surgery and Wrist Arthroscopy.
How to relieve wrist pain at home
If you are wondering how to relieve wrist pain at home, there are simple steps you can try for mild wrist pain and stiffness before seeking medical care. These measures can help ease discomfort and support your recovery:
- Rest your wrist whenever possible to avoid further strain
- Apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel) for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
- Keep your wrist moving gently with light stretches or wrist pain exercises to ease stiffness
- Use pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed
- Remove jewellery if your hand looks swollen to prevent tightness
- Cut down or stop activities that trigger pain (e.g. typing, using vibrating tools, playing instruments)
- Wear a splint or support to protect your wrist and reduce pain, especially at night
- Use helpful gadgets or tools to make everyday tasks easier, such as jar openers or ergonomic kitchen aids.
How is wrist pain diagnosed?
Because wrist pain can have many different causes, an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment and healing. Your healthcare professional will begin with a physical exam and may order further tests depending on your symptoms.
Physical examination
During the exam, your doctor may:
- Check your wrist for tenderness, swelling, or deformity
- Ask you to move your wrist to assess range of motion
- Test your grip strength and forearm strength
- Ask questions about when the pain started, what activities make it worse, and whether you’ve had previous injuries
Imaging tests
Imaging helps reveal problems inside the wrist that aren’t visible from the outside. Common tests include:
- X-ray – the most common test, used to detect fractures or signs of osteoarthritis
- CT scan – provides detailed views of wrist bones and can spot fractures missed by X-rays
- MRI – uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed images of bones and soft tissues; wrist MRIs may use a smaller device focused on the arm
- Ultrasound – a simple, non-invasive test to examine tendons, ligaments, and cysts
Arthroscopy
If imaging tests don’t provide enough information, your doctor may recommend an arthroscopy. This minimally invasive procedure uses a tiny instrument with a light and camera, inserted through a small incision. Arthroscopy is considered the gold standard for evaluating long-term wrist pain, and in some cases, surgeons can repair problems during the procedure.
Nerve tests
If carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected, nerve tests may be used:
- Electromyogram (EMG) – measures electrical activity in muscles using a fine electrode
- Nerve conduction studies – check whether electrical impulses are slowed in the carpal tunnel region
Wrist pain management at Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay Health Care, patients benefit from expert orthopaedic and pain management services designed to diagnose and treat wrist pain with precision and care. Our multidisciplinary teams combine medical expertise with compassionate support to help you regain comfort and mobility.
Why choose Ramsay?
- Access to leading orthopaedic consultants and pain specialists
- On-site diagnostics including X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound for fast, accurate results
- Tailored treatment plans ranging from physiotherapy and splints to advanced surgical options
- Integrated pain management services to ease discomfort and improve quality of life
- A focus on safety, dignity, and rapid access to care
Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment today.
Wrist Pain FAQs
