My Wrist Hurts
Wrist pain has different causes depending on where it hurts. Repetitive wrist use, injury, and poor posture can all be contributing factors.
Possible Causes by Pain Location
The location of the pain helps narrow down the cause, but an accurate diagnosis requires an examination.
Top of the Wrist (Back of the Hand)
A problem in the extensor muscles (on the back of the hand) that lift the wrist
Common in people who use a mouse and keyboard
Bottom of the Wrist (Palm Side)
Carpal tunnel syndrome or a problem in the flexor muscles (on the palm side)
If numbness comes with it, suspect carpal tunnel syndrome
Thumb-Side Wrist
Inflammation in the tendons that move the thumb
Common with smartphone use and childcare
Pinky-Side Wrist
Damage to the outer wrist ligament (TFCC) or a tendon problem
Worsens when twisting the wrist
Treating the wrist alone is not enough
The extensor and flexor muscles that move the wrist run all the way up to the elbow. Even when the wrist hurts, the muscles around the elbow must be treated together for a lasting solution.
Neck and shoulder problems can also cause wrist pain
When you lift something, the trapezius (shoulder muscle) does most of the work. If pain in the neck or shoulder keeps the trapezius from engaging, you end up relying on the wrist alone, which overloads it. If treating the wrist by itself doesn’t help, the neck and shoulder need to be examined too.
Wrist Protection Rules
- Keep the wrist in a neutral position (don’t bend it back or fold it)
- Rest between repetitive movements
- Release tension with stretching
- Lift heavy objects with both hands
Resolving Wrist Pain with Circulation Treatment
- Circulation HD: Treats tendon inflammation, releases adhesions
- Circulation PT: Corrects wrist use patterns
Frequently Asked Related Questions
References
- Abi-Rafeh J et al. Conservative nonsurgical management of de Quervain stenosing tenosynovitis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020;146(2):105e-116e.
- Padua L et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome: clinical features, diagnosis, and management. Lancet Neurol. 2016;15(12):1273-1284.
- Meena S et al. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis of the wrist: a review of the rehabilitative options. J Family Med Prim Care. 2014;3(1):10-12.
- Ashworth NL. Carpal tunnel syndrome. BMJ Clin Evid. 2016;2016:1114.