Common Wrist Conditions

Wrist pain and fractures are one of the most common injuries of the upper extremity. There is a relationship between the two forearm bones, the ulna and radius, 8 carpal bones, 27 bones of the hand including all fingers and thumb. There are 33 ligaments that provide support and stability for the wrist along with several muscles and tendons that help with movement, strength and functional use of the wrist and hand.

Sprains or fractures are often causes of wrist pain. It is important to seek an accurate diagnosis to ensure proper treatment, because these two diagnoses are very different, however the pain and symptoms they cause can be very similar. 

Wrist Sprains

Wrist sprains are often signaled by a “popping” noise at the time of an incident, which can signify a torn ligament. Fractures can include a crack, and movement after an injury may make a small grinding or crunching sound which is not present with sprains.

Signs of a wrist sprain are pain, swelling, bruising, limited range of motion, and tenderness.

Wrist Fractures

Wrist fractures are one of the most common traumatic injuries of the upper extremity.

Symptoms of a wrist fracture are: severe pain, swelling, deformity, bruising, and loss of function.

Trauma: falling on an outstretched hand (commonly called a FOOSH) can result in a fracture of the distal radius.

Other Common Wrist Injuries

Other causes of wrist pain are: from overuse including tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and ligament tears.

Arthritis is another cause of chronic wrist pain, which may feel like a dull toothache.

 An Occupational Therapist can help determine if there is a need to seek further assessing by a physician, provide an exercise program to include improving active range of motion and strengthening, splinting and education in the use of modifications or adaptive equipment to increase a patient’s independence while healing occurs.