Wrist and hand pain
Your hand and wrist have 29 bones allowing you to grip, move and control objects in many ways. The wrist joint connects the forearm bones (radius and ulna) to the small bones in the hand. Ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the wrist and hand give support for delicate and complex movements.
Causes of wrist and hand pain
Wrist and hand pain can be caused by issues affecting the bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles. It’s a common complaint, and usually, pain will settle with time and self-care. Try to keep moving and avoid activities that worsen your symptoms in the short-term
Below are some common causes of wrist pain.
Trigger Finger
A condition that makes it difficult to bend or straighten a thumb or finger often causing a catching or locking sensation followed by a sudden snap on release. Read more on Trigger Finger.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
A tendon problem which Causes pain at the wrist near the base of the thumb. Read more on De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Caused by repeated actions like typing or gaming. Read more on RSI.
Mallet Finger
Injury to the tendon which helps to straighten the tip of your finger, Commonly from an impact to the end of an extended finger e.g. in sport. If this tendon is damaged or torn it can cause the tip of the finger to remain bent. Read more on Mallet Finger.
Osteoarthritis
This can affect the small joints in the hand or at the base of the thumb and wrist. Read more on Osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An inflammatory autoimmune condition which can damage the small joints of the hand if left untreated. Read more on Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Broken finger or thumb
Get medical advice as soon as possible if your think you may have broken your finger or thumb. Read more on a broken finger and thumb.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Causes tingling in the hand which can often be worse at night. Treatment can involve activity modification, night splints, gentle stretches and in some cases injections or anti-inflammatory medications. For more information and treatment options for this condition read the NHS' Decision Support Tools.
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Irritation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow (near your funny bone) or in the hand causing pin and needles or altered sensation in the little and ring finger.
Vibration white finger
Damage to the small nerves and blood vessels in the hand and linked to prolonged use of things like power tools.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Tight skin (fascia) in the palm which can cause the fingers to bend. Mores information on treatment options for this condition can be accessed on the NHS England's Dupuytren's Contracture decision support tool.
Ganglion Cysts
Small swellings (often pea sized) which are commonly seen as a lump in the wrist or near a tendon or joint in the hand. Read more on Ganglion Cysts.
Raynaud’s
Poor blood flow in in the fingers, causing colour changes when cold or stressed. Read more on Raynaud's.
There may or may not be a specific reason or cause for your pain. It is thought that Wrist and hand Pain is more common with:
- Activities that place a higher demand on the wrist, such as using vibrating tools, keyboards etc.
- Repetitive stress
- Trauma
- People who are more stressed or feeling low in mood.
Symptoms of a wrist or hand injury will often include:
- Pain around the hand and forearm
- Pain when moving the hand and wrist
- Swelling, bruising, redness, and heat
- Changes in sensation or tingling
- Difficulty gripping.
Managing wrist pain
Most wrist pain will go away with rest, gentle movement, and self-care. Other interventions aim to:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Restore strength and movement
- Improve daily function.
Treatment options
Treatment options commonly include:
- Exercises.
- Splints, if recommended by a healthcare provider.
- Steroid injections, to reduce pain and inflammation in some cases.
- Surgery, rarely needed but can be considered if other treatments haven’t worked.
Pain medication
Controlling your pain allows you to continue to function and carry out your daily activities more comfortably. Talk to your pharmacist, doctor, physiotherapist or nurse about which pain medicine to choose in the short term to help you to get moving again.
Do I need tests?
A healthcare professional can usually assess your wrist pain by listening and examining you. Tests or scans are often unnecessary.
Getting help for better health
Get free local help for from Your Health Notts to:
- Improve your fitness
- Lose weight
- Stop smoking
- Reduce our alcohol intake.
Help with exercise
If you need help with exercise, ask your doctor about the GP Exercise Referral Schemes. These offer discounted classes at local leisure centres:
Useful links
Information in this section is intended to be used as a guide. It gives you an idea about how shoulder pain can be managed. However, you should remember that every case is different, and symptoms and management can vary from person to person.
