Wrist & Hand Pain

Wrist Pain

Pain around the wrist during movement, lifting, or weight-bearing through the hand.

Hand Pain

Discomfort in the palm, fingers, or thumb that affects daily activities.

Thumb Pain

Pain at the base of the thumb or along the thumb tendons, especially during gripping or pinching.

Weak Grip Strength

Difficulty opening jars, carrying shopping bags, holding tools, or shaking hands.

Tingling or Numbness

Pins and needles or numbness, particularly in the thumb, index, middle, or ring finger.

Stiffness

Difficulty moving the wrist or fingers, especially after rest or in the morning.

Swelling

Visible swelling around the wrist, hand, or fingers following overuse or injury.

Clicking or Locking Finger

A finger may catch, click, or lock during movement (trigger finger).

Pain During Typing or Repetitive Tasks

Symptoms that worsen with prolonged computer use, handwriting, or repetitive hand activities.

Tendinopathy

Overuse of the wrist or thumb tendons can lead to pain, reduced strength, and difficulty performing repetitive tasks.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of the median nerve at the wrist may cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Irritation of the thumb tendons causing pain along the thumb side of the wrist, particularly during gripping or lifting.

Wrist Sprain

Stretching or tearing of wrist ligaments following a fall or sudden twist.

Thumb Osteoarthritis

Degenerative changes at the base of the thumb may lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced grip strength.

Trigger Finger

Thickening of a finger tendon may cause clicking, catching, or locking during movement.

Ganglion Cyst

A fluid-filled lump arising from a joint or tendon sheath that may or may not cause pain.

Trauma

Falls, fractures, direct blows, or sporting injuries can damage the bones, ligaments, or tendons of the wrist and hand.

Referred Pain

Pain from the neck or upper limb nerves may occasionally be felt in the wrist or hand.

Office Workers

Frequent typing, mouse use, and prolonged computer work.

Manual Workers

Repetitive gripping, tool use, lifting, and vibration exposure.

Healthcare Professionals

Frequent manual handling and repetitive hand tasks.

Athletes

Gymnastics, climbing, racquet sports, golf, weightlifting, and contact sports.

Musicians

Repetitive finger and wrist movements over prolonged periods.

Older Adults

Higher risk of osteoarthritis and degenerative tendon changes.

Individuals with Previous Wrist or Hand Injuries

Previous injuries increase the likelihood of future symptoms.

Clinical Assessment

Medical History

• When symptoms began
• Pain location
• Numbness or tingling
• Hand dominance
• Occupation
• Sporting activities
• Previous injuries
• Aggravating tasks

Physical Examination

• Wrist and finger range of motion
• Grip strength
• Thumb function
• Joint mobility
• Swelling
• Functional tasks
• Neck screening when appropriate

Special Tests & Imaging

Special Tests

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• De Quervain's tenosynovitis
• Ligament injuries
• Thumb instability
• Tendon disorders
• TFCC injury

Diagnosis is based on your history, examination findings, and clinical reasoning.

Imaging

Routine imaging is not required for many wrist and hand conditions. X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, or nerve conduction studies may be recommended when a fracture is suspected, significant trauma has occurred, persistent neurological symptoms are present, tendon rupture is suspected, or surgery is being considered.

Education

Understanding your diagnosis and modifying aggravating activities are essential for recovery.

Exercise Therapy

Progressive mobility, tendon loading, nerve-gliding, and strengthening exercises are central to rehabilitation.

Splinting or Bracing

Temporary splinting may be beneficial for selected conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, or thumb osteoarthritis.

Manual Therapy

Joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques may help improve movement and reduce pain when combined with exercise.

Medication

Pain-relieving medication may be appropriate under medical supervision.

Injections

Certain conditions, such as trigger finger, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, or thumb osteoarthritis, may benefit from corticosteroid injections after specialist evaluation.

Surgery

Surgery may be appropriate for selected conditions such as severe carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon ruptures, unstable fractures, or persistent symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatment.

Target: Wrist mobility

Repetitions: 10–15 × 2 sets

Precaution: Move within a comfortable range.

Target: Finger flexor tendons

Repetitions: 10 repetitions

Target: Median nerve mobility

Repetitions: 5–10 repetitions

Precaution: Perform gently and stop if symptoms significantly increase.

Target: Hand and forearm muscles

Repetitions: 10–15 squeezes × 2–3 sets

Target: Finger extensors

Repetitions: 10–15 × 2–3 sets

Target: Thumb mobility and coordination

Repetitions: 10 repetitions each finger

Take Regular Movement Breaks

Avoid maintaining the same wrist position for prolonged periods during typing or repetitive work.

Improve Ergonomics

Position your keyboard, mouse, and workstation to keep your wrists in a neutral position.

Build Grip and Forearm Strength

Regular strengthening improves tissue capacity and resilience.

Warm Up Before Sport

Prepare your wrists and hands before climbing, racquet sports, gymnastics, or weight training.

Progress Activity Gradually

Avoid sudden increases in training volume or repetitive hand-intensive tasks.

Protect Your Hands

Use appropriate protective equipment when performing high-risk work or sports.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Trigger Finger

Thumb Osteoarthritis

Wrist Sprain

TFCC Injury

Ganglion Cyst

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

Scaphoid Fracture

Intersection Syndrome