Wrist pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome 

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist that the median nerve and the flexor tendons run through. If the nerve is constricted by swelling, strong pain radiating into the hand, arm and shoulder can occur, as well as numbness in the fingers at night, muscle weakness and restricted function, as well as muscle wasting on the thenar eminence (thenar atrophy).

More on carpal tunnel syndrome

Rhizarthrosis (osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb) 

Rhizarthrosis is the term used to describe the wear and tear caused to the thumb saddle joint, associated with a breakdown of the cartilage. This condition occurs more frequently in women over the age of 40, It manifests as morning stiffness and pain when moving, which can also radiate towards the radius and palm.

Repetitive strain injury syndrome

RSI syndrome is triggered by constant repetition of certain movements – for example using a mouse and keyboard. The bent shape of the hand in this posture can also cause wrist pain and a tingling or pulling sensation in the fingers, wrist or forearm when stress is placed on them. In time, the pain can also occur when at rest and can become chronic.

Tenosynovitis 

The tendon sheath is the hollow passage that the tendon runs through. Inflammation often occurs due to strain, even in the area around the wrist. This manifests itself in severe stabbing or pulling pain that can radiate to the heel of the hand and is often accompanied by swelling or redness. One classic symptom of Tenosynovitis is crepitus, an audible and palpable crunching noise reminiscent of the sound of walking over fresh snow. 

Ganglion 

A ganglion of the wrist is a fluid-filled, swelling of varying hardness that predominantly occurs on the side of the back of the hand (dorsal) side of the wrist. If this ganglion puts pressure on a nerve, tendon or other structures, it can cause pain or numbness. 

Arthritis of the wrist (radiocarpal arthritis) 

If the protective cartilage layer of the wrist is damaged due to abrasion, the bones rub against each other. When this affects the thumb side of the area around the wrist, this is referred to as wrist arthritis, or radiocarpal arthritis. This can radiate into the back of the hand. As is typical for all types of arthritis, the pain tends to be more intense in the morning and usually diminishes somewhat after an initial flurry.

Scaphoid fracture 

The scaphoid is often fractured when people put their hand out to stop a fall. It is the largest of the eight carpal bones. Typical symptoms are a swollen and painful wrist, as well as pain on the back of the hand and the side of the thumb.

Radius bone fracture in the area around the wrist (distal radius fracture) 

Radius fractures account for approximately 25% of all fractures in humans, making them one of the most common types of bone breakages. Most breaks of the radius bone result from attempting to stop a fall and occur near the wrist. A broken radius leads to pain and restricted movement in the affected area. It can also cause poor posture and misalignment in the wrist.

Disc lesion 

With a discus lesion, the pain occurs in the distal radioulnar joint on the ulnar or little finger side of the wrist. The pain is particularly noticeable when performing a twisting motion and is triggered by tears in cartilage-like structures (discus triangularis) between the ulna and radius. These tears can occur during falls or as a result of violent twisting or wear and tear, for example. 

Scaphoid fracture 

The scaphoid is often fractured when people put their hand out to stop a fall. It is the largest of the eight carpal bones. Typical symptoms are a swollen and painful wrist, as well as pain on the radial (thumb) side of the carpus.