The wrist is a vital joint that connects the hand to the forearm, made up of small bones, ligaments, tendons and nerves that work together to provide strength and flexibility. Because of its complexity, the wrist is particularly vulnerable to injury, overuse and degenerative conditions that can cause pain, swelling, weakness or restricted movement. These problems can interfere with everyday activities such weight-bearing, lifting and carrying.
Some of the most common wrist conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, ganglion cysts, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis and wrist fractures. In some cases, sprains, arthritis or repetitive strain injuries may also affect the wrist. Understanding these conditions is the first step toward effective treatment and recovery.
Explore this page’s list to learn more about each condition and how Hand Therapy can help relieve pain, restore mobility and improve function.
Back to ConditionsBreaks in the small wrist bones from a fall or trauma, causing pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty moving the wrist.
Pressure on the wrist median nerve causing numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hand. Symptoms re often worse at night.
Painful tendon irritation at the thumb side of the wrist, making gripping, twisting or lifting objects uncomfortable.
Common wrist fracture from often occurring after a fall onto an outstretched hand causing pain, swelling, deformity and stiffness at the wrist.
Torn ligament between two wrist bones causing pain, swelling and weakness, sometimes leading to long-term instability or arthritis.
Damage to cushioning tissue on the little finger side of the wrist causing pain, clicking or weakness when gripping or twisting.
When wrist bones shift out of place after trauma, causing severe pain, swelling, deformity and limited movement.
Wear-and-tear arthritis in the wrist joint causing pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement over time.
Overuse injury of wrist tendons causing pain, swelling and weakness often worsened by repetitive activities.