Wrist Pain Specialist

What are the common causes of wrist pain?

There are many causes of wrist and hand pain. Pain can be caused by acute trauma, such as a fall or lifting a heavy object, or from repetitive use conditions that may occur in the workplace. Wrist pain can occur in all age groups, from adolescents to high school and college athletes to middle-aged weekend warriors. In older patients, arthritis is a frequent cause of hand and wrist pain. Even common everyday activities, such as using a computer or a smartphone, can in some cases lead to hand and wrist pain. If a patient has pain in his or her wrist after injury or repetitive use that lasts for more than a week, an orthopaedic evaluation may be recommended.

How is a diagnosis made?

The basis for diagnosing the underlying cause of a patient’s wrist pain is a discussion of the details of the patient’s pain with an orthopaedist and a clinical examination. At Active Orthopaedics, Dr. Carlson reviews the history of the wrist or hand pain with the patient and performs a detailed clinical examination. In many cases, this is all that is needed for a diagnosis to be made. In certain cases, an x-ray study may be needed. In more complex cases, such as chronic pain or in cases where previous surgery was performed, more advanced imaging techniques, like CT or MRI scans will be recommended.

When is surgery for wrist or hand pain needed?

When it comes to wrist pain, in the majority of cases, surgery isn’t needed. Usually, identification of the cause of wrist pain and a temporary alteration of activity may be all that is necessary. In many cases, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and the use of corticosteroid injections are also recommended to reduce pain and discomfort. Bracing or splinting can be used to calm down inflammation that leads to pain. Surgery for wrist pain is always the last option and only recommended if all other non-surgical options are exhausted.