Wrist and hand pain can be extremely limiting, affecting everyday tasks and work activities. For those with manual jobs, the impact can be even greater.
Here are some of the most common causes:
Sprain or Strain
- Happens when ligaments or muscles in the wrist are stretched or torn.
- Common after falls, trips, lifting heavy objects, or sudden twisting.
- Symptoms: swelling, pain when moving, bruising.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
- Caused by repeated wrist movements (typing, gaming, manual work).
- Can lead to tendon irritation or Tendinitis – inflammation of wrist tendons.
- Often develops gradually.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
- Very common in people who do repetitive hand activities.
Symptoms include:
* Tingling or numbness in fingers
* Weak grip
* Pain that may spread to the arm
Arthritis
Joint inflammation can cause chronic wrist pain. Examples include:
- Osteoarthritis – wear-and-tear joint damage
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – autoimmune joint inflammation
Symptoms often include:
- stiffness
- swelling
- reduced range of motion
Ganglion Cyst
- Fluid-filled lump that forms near wrist joints or tendons.
- May press on nerves and cause pain.
Fracture (Broken Wrist)
- Often occurs after a fall onto an outstretched hand.
- Common fracture includes Distal Radius Fracture
Symptoms:
- severe pain
- swelling
- deformity or inability to move the wrist
Nerve Problems
Pain can also come from nerve irritation or damage. An example includes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (ulnar nerve compression)
Treatment for Wrist Pain
City Way Health provide osteopathic treatment for wrist and hand pain to help restore function and reduce discomfort. Our Osteopaths will carry out a detailed assessment to identify the root cause of your pain. Treatment may include:
- Gentle massage and soft tissue techniques
- Joint mobilisation and stretching
- Postural and ergonomic advice
- Home exercises for long-term relief
We don’t just treat the wrist and hand - we also assess the arm, shoulder, and upper back for contributing factors.
To find out more about our treatments please get in touch or click here