Wrist pain

Alternative names:

pain in the wrist

Home care:

Splint the wrist if pain is caused by trauma. Wrist splints are available at hospital supply stores and many drug stores. Wrap the wrist splint with an elastic bandage to keep it in place and wear it constantly for a few days. Usually this is all that is required for most wrist problems. Even carpal tunnel syndrome is initially treated by splinting.

No major pain medication should be necessary.

Try to avoid the activity that aggravates the wrist pain.

Call your health care provider if:

• the pain is caused by an injury.
• the pain persist after one week of home treatment.
• the pain is accompanied by fever or rapid swelling or severe pain at rest.
• there is numbness or tingling in the fingers.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting the wrist pain in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did the wrist pain begin?
  • Did it occur suddenly and severely or gradually and mildly?
  • Is the pain constant?
  • Is the pain worse in the morning or at night?
  • Is the pain worse during sleep?
  • Does it resolve without treatment?

• quality
  • Is the pain sharp, throbbing, or burning?
  • Does the pain extend into the fingers?
  • Does the pain occur only with certain movements or positions?
  • Does the pain prevent normal use of the wrist, hand, or arm?

• location
  • Where is the pain?
  • Is it in both wrists?
  • Is it involving use of only certain fingers?

• aggravating factors
  • What makes the pain worse?
  • Is it worse with movement? Which movements?
  • Is it worse with overuse?
  • Is it worse with sleep?
  • Is it worse with fatigue?

• relieving factors
  • What helps it?
  • Is it better with immobilization (preventing movement)?
  • Is it better after splinting the wrist?
  • Does the pain get better after elevating the arm higher than the chest?
  • Does heat help?
  • Do any medications help?

• other symptoms
  • Is there joint pain elsewhere?
  • Is there numbness or tingling in fingers?
  • Is there pain elsewhere?
  • Is there swelling?
  • Is there fever?
  • Is there bruising or discoloration?
  • Is there an itching or burning sensation?
  • Is there weakness?
  • Is there bleeding?

• additional important information
  • What medications are being taken?
  • Have there been any recent injuries?
  • Have there been any recent illnesses?
  • Are you involved in activities requiring repetitious hand and wrist movements? (Such as sewing, knitting, computer keyboard use).

The physical examination may include examination of the wrists and hands. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include an extremity X-ray, but they are rarely needed.

Intervention:
Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. Injection with a steroid medication may occasionally be performed. Surgery or medications may be needed to treat some conditions.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to wrist pain to your personal medical record.