The wrist is one of the most important of all joints in both everyday and professional life. The wrist has three main joints, which makes it very stable and allows for a wide range of movement. But this complex combination of bones, ligaments, and tendons is also among the most likely to be injured, making wrist pain one of the most common orthopedic problems people experience.

There are numerous factors that cause wrist pain, and also many symptoms: swollen fingers, difficulty making a fist or grabbing objects, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands, sudden sharp pain in the hand, warmth in a joint near the wrist, pain that runs from the wrist up through the hands and arms, to name a few.

While fractures and sprains often cause wrist pain – the source of which is often referred to as FOOSH (falling onto an outstretched hand) – there are many other sources, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive stress/overuse injuries.

Repetitive stress injuries can be the result of any activity that involves repetitive wrist motion, from tennis to texting, video game controllers, and typing. Something as mundane as lifting a coffee cup or brushing your teeth can even cause intense wrist pain.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects as many as 8 million people a year, develops when there is increased pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a passageway in the palm side of the wrist. It can occur in one or both wrists.

Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis can cause painful swelling and wrist pain. They may even eventually result in bone erosion.

Wrist pain, especially in the dominant hand, can be debilitating. Self-care at home may offer some relief; rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE), anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen, or splinting to immobilize the wrist.

At the Colorado Center of Orthpaedic Excellence, the doctors and surgeons who treat wrist pain consider numerous factors, including medical history, lifestyle factors, and a physical examination, to make a diagnosis and propose the most practical and effective treatment plan for each patient which typically begins with conservative treatment options, rather than surgery. 

An individualized treatment plan can include everything from an immobilizing brace to one-on-one physical therapy and even education on preventing further injury.

If surgery is needed, it may even be done arthroscopically on an outpatient basis. Another minimally invasive and outpatient procedure is carpal tunnel surgery, which relieves pressure on the median nerve.  

Wrist pain can be incredibly disruptive to daily life. CCOE’s highly trained surgeons and physicians are backed by a supportive team of administrative and clinical professionals who take a personalized, focused, and comprehensive approach to your orthopedic health. Our goal is to be your first choice for Wrist pain care. From scheduling and imaging to physical therapy and more, we are committed to providing the best experience and outcomes for each patient. Our offices are conveniently located across the Colorado Springs corridor, and it’s easy to make an appointment. Find the provider that fits your needs, and contact us today.