Pain on the thumb side of the wrist
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis: pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, worse when gripping, lifting a baby or making a fist with the thumb tucked in; see De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
- Base of thumb arthritis: aching at the base of the thumb when pinching, opening jars or turning keys, common after 50; see thumb pain.
- Scaphoid fracture: pain in the hollow at the base of the thumb after a fall on an outstretched hand.
Pain on the pinky (ulnar) side
- TFCC injury: the triangular fibrocartilage complex cushions the pinky side of the wrist. Tears cause pain when turning the forearm, leaning on the hand or gripping, sometimes with clicking.
- ECU tendinopathy: irritation of the tendon running along the pinky side, common in tennis, golf and rowing.
- Ulnar impaction: when the ulna is slightly long, it can press on the wrist bones and cartilage.
- Pisiform and hamate problems: after falls or repeated impact, such as with golf clubs or bats.
Pain on the back of the wrist
- Ganglion cyst: a smooth lump, often more noticeable when the wrist is bent; it may ache or be painless.
- Extensor tendon irritation: from repetitive gripping or lifting; see extensor tendonitis.
- Scapholunate ligament injury: pain and weakness after a fall, sometimes with clicking.
- Kienböck’s disease: a rare condition where one of the wrist bones loses its blood supply.
Pain on the palm side
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: tingling, numbness and pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often worse at night; see carpal tunnel symptoms.
- Flexor tendon irritation: from repetitive gripping; see hand tendonitis.
- Palm-side ganglion cyst: near the base of the thumb.
Injuries and conditions affecting the whole wrist
- Sprains: ligaments stretched or torn in a fall.
- Fractures: especially of the radius just above the wrist after a fall.
- Osteoarthritis: stiffness and aching, often after an old injury.
- Rheumatoid arthritis and gout: swelling, warmth and stiffness, often in both wrists or with other joints.
- Overuse: typing, gaming, gym work, climbing and manual jobs.
What you can do at home
- Reduce or change the activity that triggers the pain for a while.
- Use a wrist splint, especially at night for carpal tunnel symptoms.
- Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 10 to 15 minutes after activity.
- Take simple painkillers if appropriate.
- Check your workstation: keep the wrist straight when typing and using a mouse.
- Start gentle range of motion exercises once the acute pain settles.
How physiotherapy helps
A hand and wrist physiotherapist identifies which structure is involved through examination and specific tests. Treatment includes advice on load and posture, splinting when needed, exercises to restore movement and grip strength, tendon loading programmes, nerve gliding for carpal tunnel and a gradual return to work and sport.
Injections can help some tendon problems and carpal tunnel syndrome, and surgery is considered for fractures that are displaced, ligament tears causing instability, ganglion cysts that cause problems or nerve compression that does not improve.
Wrist pain in common situations
- New parents: lifting a baby with the thumb spread can trigger De Quervain’s tenosynovitis; scoop the baby with the palms instead.
- Push-ups and yoga: pain on the back of the wrist when bearing weight often improves with fists, handles or a wedge to reduce wrist bend.
- Pregnancy: fluid retention makes carpal tunnel symptoms more common; they often settle after birth.
When to see a doctor
- After a fall: swelling, deformity, or pain in the hollow at the base of the thumb.
- You cannot move the wrist or grip.
- The wrist is hot, red and swollen, especially with fever.
- Numbness or weakness in the hand.
- Pain that does not improve after 2 weeks of home care.
Key points to remember
- Where the wrist hurts is the best clue to the cause.
- Pain on the thumb side after a fall needs an X-ray to rule out a scaphoid fracture.
- Most overuse wrist pain improves with load changes, a splint and exercises.
- Numbness, weakness or swelling with warmth need assessment.
Questions about wrist pain
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
Why does my wrist hurt with no injury?
Overuse, tendon irritation, carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts and arthritis can all cause wrist pain without an injury.
What causes pain on the pinky side of the wrist?
Common causes are TFCC injuries, ECU tendon irritation and ulnar impaction.
How do I know if my wrist pain is serious?
Pain after a fall, swelling, deformity, numbness, weakness or a hot red joint need medical assessment.
Should I wear a wrist brace?
A brace can help in the short term and at night for carpal tunnel, but long-term use can weaken the wrist.
Can typing cause wrist pain?
Yes. Long periods with the wrist bent and repetitive movements can irritate tendons and nerves.
Is heat or ice better for wrist pain?
Ice helps after activity and for recent injuries; heat can ease stiffness from arthritis.
Sources
- NHS · Hand pain (including wrist)
- NHS · Carpal tunnel syndrome
- NHS · Ganglion cyst
- NHS · Sprains and strains
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.