Wrist Injuries and Disorders: Types, Risks, Treatment and Prevention

The wrist connects the hand to the forearm. It is not one big joint but several small ones, which makes it flexible and lets the hand move in many directions. It contains two large forearm bones and eight small bones called carpals, held together by connective tissue: tendons join muscles to bones, and ligaments join bones to each other.

Common wrist problems

• Carpal tunnel syndrome — a nerve running from the forearm into the palm is squeezed at the wrist.
• Ganglion cysts — lumps or masses that are not cancer.
• Gout — arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in the joints.
• Fractures — broken bones.
• Osteoarthritis — the most common type of arthritis, caused by wear and tear on the joints.
• Sprains and strains — injuries to ligaments (sprains) and to muscles or tendons (strains).
• Tendinitis — inflammation of a tendon, usually from overuse.

Who is at risk

• Sports. You may fall on an outstretched hand while skating or snowboarding, and contact sports can injure the wrist. Gymnastics and basketball can strain it.
• Repetitive wrist movements, such as typing, assembly-line work or using power tools.
• Certain diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, can cause wrist pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the problem. Pain is common; others include swelling, a loss of wrist strength, and sudden numbness or tingling.

Diagnosis

A health care provider may use:

• a medical history, including your symptoms;
• a physical exam, checking the wrist's strength and range of motion;
• an X-ray or other imaging test;
• blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the injury or disorder. It may include:

• resting the wrist;
• a wrist brace or cast;
• pain relievers;
• cortisone injections;
• physical therapy;
• surgery.

Prevention

• Wear wrist guards for sports that put your wrists at risk.
• At work, stretch, take frequent breaks, and set up your workspace so your wrists are in the right position.
• Get enough calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Wrist Injuries and Disorders." https://medlineplus.gov/wristinjuriesanddisorders.html
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