Common causes of pain or discomfort in the
wrist include:
Acute gouty arthritis
Carpal tunnel syndrome (pain can shoot
down the fingers or up into the forearm; usually there is a
numb feeling in some of the fingers as if they were asleep)
Chronic gouty arthritis
Infection of the wrist area
Inflammatory arthritis
Osteoarthritis (the side of the wrist by
the thumb is often involved)
Pseudogout
Psoriatic arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
Tendinitis
Trauma or injury, especially if it involves
a fracture, sprain, or strain
There may be other causes of wrist pain which
may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well
as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location,
quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors,
and associated complaints.
You should contact your health care provider
if:
Pain is caused by an injury.
Pain persists after one week of home treatment.
Pain is accompanied by fever or rapid swelling
or severe pain at rest.
There is numbness or tingling in the fingers.
At your physician’s office, your medical
history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
The physical examination may include examination of the wrists
and hands. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include an X-ray,
but they are rarely needed. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed
or an injection with a steroid medication may occasionally be
performed. Surgery or medications may be needed to treat some
conditions.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
