My Wrist Hurts
Wrist pain has different causes depending on where it hurts. Causes differ for dorsal (back), palmar (palm side), radial (thumb side), and ulnar (pinky side) pain. Wrist pain is often connected to elbow and shoulder problems.
Wrist Pain by Location
① Dorsal (Back of Wrist) Pain
Likely causes: Extensor tendinitis, ganglion cyst, wrist arthritis
Characteristics: Pain when extending wrist backward, pain when using keyboard
② Palmar (Palm Side) Pain
Likely causes: Carpal tunnel syndrome, flexor tendinitis
Characteristics: Numbness in thumb/index/middle fingers, worse at night
Learn about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome →③ Radial (Thumb Side) Pain
Likely causes: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, thumb arthritis
Characteristics: Pain when lifting objects, pain when moving thumb
④ Ulnar (Pinky Side) Pain
Likely causes: TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) injury, ulnar nerve problems
Characteristics: Pain when twisting wrist, pain when applying weight
Not Just a Wrist Problem
Wrist pain often connected to elbow and shoulder
When elbow or shoulder isn’t working properly, the wrist compensates and becomes overloaded. For example, tennis elbow weakness can overload the wrist. Treating only the wrist may lead to recurrence—the connected areas must be evaluated together.
When to Get Examined
- Pain persists for more than 2 weeks
- Numbness accompanies the pain
- Grip strength has weakened
- Swelling or lump appears
- Pain worsens at night
Circulation Treatment for Wrist Pain
- Circulation HD: Treat tendon inflammation, release nerve compression
- Circulation PT: Strengthen wrist and forearm, correct work posture