When is Wrist Pain Serious?

You use your wrists a lot every day. You type emails, you lift weights, and you open jars to make dinner. Because these joints are used constantly, even small injuries can become bigger problems if they’re ignored.

But how do you know if your wrist pain is serious? 

Our board-certified surgeons at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services encourage you to visit us in Porterville, Reedley, Visalia, or Tulare, California, if you’re experiencing acute or chronic wrist pain. 

In the meantime, read on to learn about a few of the common causes of wrist pain and how to determine if your pain is mild or more serious.

Common causes of wrist pain

Your wrist is a complex joint made up of multiple small bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. When any of these structures become irritated or injured, pain can develop.

Some of the most common causes of wrist pain include:

• Sprains or ligament injuries
• Tendonitis from repetitive motion
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Arthritis  
• Fractures after a fall or impact
• Sports injuries, especially from golfing, weightlifting, or baseball

While minor strains may improve with rest, persistent pain can signal a deeper issue that requires evaluation.

When wrist pain isn’t serious 

Not every ache in your wrist is a red flag. 

If your pain started after a single day of overusing your wrist, it’s often nothing serious. For example, you might notice soreness after hours of crocheting, using a new tool like a wrench during a weekend project, or lifting something heavier than usual. Even sleeping on your hands can cause temporary wrist pain when you wake up.

If your pain is mild, improves with rest, and doesn’t limit how you move your wrist or grip objects, it’s often a minor strain that should settle down within a few days.

Mild wrist strains respond well to simple at-home care. You might ice the area, rest your wrist, and temporarily avoid the activity that triggered your pain.

When wrist pain is serious 

Sometimes, though, wrist pain is serious and requires more immediate care. In fact, over 2.6 million people go to the ER each year with a hand or wrist injury. So how do you know it’s that serious?

Wrist pain is typically considered serious if you have:

• Severe pain after a fall or accident
• Swelling that doesn’t improve
• Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
• Weakness in the wrist or hand
• Pain that lasts more than a few days or continues to worsen

A sudden injury, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand, can lead to a fracture, ligament tear, or other structural damage. The only way to know what kind of injury you’re dealing with is to see an orthopedic doctor for an exam and possibly have X-rays taken. 

Don’t put it off. Setting bones properly after a fracture, for example, can help your bones heal correctly and reduce your risk of post-traumatic arthritis. 

But wrist pain doesn’t have to start suddenly to be serious. Pain that develops gradually and lingers can also signal an underlying condition, such as tendon damage, nerve compression, or arthritis. Arthritis, for example, is a common cause of chronic wrist pain that affects one out of every 13 people.

The bottom line is that if you have new or chronic pain that is severe or interferes with your life, it’s time to talk.

How is wrist pain treated?

The right treatment for wrist pain depends on what’s causing it. Our two hand and wrist surgeons, Dr. Liu and Dr. Tien, first examine your wrist and review your symptoms. In some cases, they may review imaging studies, like an X-ray, to determine the underlying cause of your pain, whether that’s a fracture, ligament strain, tendon injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, or arthritis.

Treatment options for wrist pain may include conservative options such as bracing or splinting to support your wrist, activity modification to reduce strain, or injections to ease inflammation.

If your symptoms don’t improve or if there is structural damage, Dr. Liu and Dr. Tien may recommend surgery to repair the problem and restore function. When possible, they use minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Regardless of what’s causing your pain, our goal is always the same: to relieve your pain and help you get back to using your hand and wrist comfortably again.

Don’t ignore ongoing wrist pain

When pain limits what you can do, it’s important to find out why, and we’re here to help.

If your wrist pain isn’t improving or is interfering with your routine, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Liu or Dr. Tien today. Call the location closest to you or click here to schedule an appointment.