WRIST

It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the cause. If you have wrist pain, some common causes include:

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a common problem that can cause wrist pain and swelling. Wrist tendonitis is due to inflammation of the tendon sheath. Treatment of wrist pain caused by tendonitis usually does not require surgery.

Sprain

Wrist sprains are common injuries to the ligaments around the wrist joint. Sprains can cause problems by limiting the use of our hands.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the condition that results from dysfunction of one of the nerves in the wrist. In carpal tunnel syndrome the median nerve is compressed, or pinched off, as it passes through the wrist joint.

Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion cyst is a swelling that usually occurs over the back of the hand or wrist. These are benign, fluid-filled capsules. Ganglion cysts are not cancerous, will not spread, and while they may grow in size, they will not spread to other parts of your body.

Fractures

A wrist fracture is a common orthopaedic injury. Patients who sustain a broken wrist may be treated in a cast, or they may need surgery for the fracture.

If you are unsure of the cause of your wrist pain, or if you do not know the specific treatment recommendations for your condition, you should seek medical attention. Treatment of these conditions must be directed at the specific cause of your problem. Some signs that you should be seen by a doctor include:

• Inability to carry objects or use the arm
• Injury that causes deformity of the joint
• Wrist pain that occurs at night or while resting
• Wrist pain that persists beyond a few days
• Inability to straighten or flex the joint
• Swelling or significant bruising around the joint or forearm
• Signs of an infection, including fever, redness, warmth
• Any other unusual symptoms