How Do You Treat Severe Wrist Pain
Chronic wrist and hand pain can be treated in a few ways.
- Wear a wrist splint: Its important to try to avoid pinching the carpal tunnel, and one item that is really beneficial for this is a wrist splint. A wrist splint works effectively by holding the wrist in a neutral position so nerves can flow freely in your wrist.
- Take medication: If you are experiencing chronic pain and swelling, a cold pack can help to reduce this. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen may also help to reduce the sharp pain in wrist.
Symptoms Of Hand Finger And Wrist Pain
Symptoms of hand, finger or wrist pain depend on the type of injury and mechanism of injury. The symptoms commonly include pain during use, swelling, and/or difficulty moving the affected area.
Treatment for hand, finger and wrist pain includes: over-the-counter pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation. In more severe injuries, immobilization or surgery may be necessary.
Immediate Action Required: Go To An Urgent Treatment Centre Or A& e If You:
- have severe wrist pain
- feel faint, dizzy or sick from the pain
- heard a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of the injury
- are not able to move your wrist or hold things
- have a wrist that’s changed shape or colour
- have lost the feeling in part or all of your hand
These might be signs of a broken wrist.
Recommended Reading: Pain Reliever For Dogs With Arthritis
When To See A Doctor
Hand and wrist pain often gets better with things you can do at home.
However, youll need to visit your GP surgery if:
- your pain isnt getting better after treatment at home for two weeks
- the pain is getting worse
- the pain keeps returning
- the pain is stopping you from doing your everyday activities
- your hands are stiff and swollen, particularly in the mornings and these feelings dont get better after half an hour
- as well as being swollen and stiff, your hands are warm and red
- you also feel generally unwell, especially if you have a high temperature
- you have ongoing tingling, numbness or weakness in the hands or fingers.
Its important to get urgent medical attention, if:
- you think youve broken a bone
- you have extreme pain
- any part of your hand, wrist or fingers is a funny shape or colour
- you have lost the feeling of part or all of your hand
- there was a snap, grinding or popping noise when you injured your hand or wrist
- you cant move your hand, wrist or fingers properly.
If you have ongoing hand and wrist pain or a specific condition affecting the hand and wrist it could be helpful to see a hand therapist. These are healthcare professionals with expertise in treating conditions affecting the hand and wrist. Your GP, rheumatology department or orthopaedic department could refer you to one.
Wrist Pain Causes And Treatment From Bending Backward

Everyday activities can cause wrist pain if done over and over again. Arthritis, which is often thought of as the primary reason for wrist pain, is not always the source of pain. The two most common arthritis’ to occur in the wrist are rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative osteoarthritis of the carpal bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common arthritis in wrists. It is the chronic inflammation of the joints in the wrist. Degenerative osteoarthritis in the carpal bones is when the flexible tissues at the end of the carpal bones in the wrist wears down and degenerates. Arthritis in the wrist is common, and a wrist with arthritis should be able to extend and do pushups. If extension is painful and the wrist can’t bear weight, arthritis may not be the only condition causing the pain.
Recommended Reading: Dr. Gregory Powell Pain Management
When Will I Need Surgery For Ligament Damage In Wrist
As mentioned above, if the X-rays and MRI are unable to provide enough information about the injury, anarthroscopy is needed. This involves surgically inserting a camera into the wrist to examine the injury thoroughly so it can be treated appropriately.
Based on what is found during the arthroscopy, surgery may include:
- Debridement: the tissues around the wrist may have sustained significant trauma and will need to be debrided .
- Ligament Repair: by tightening up the capsule tissue on the back of the wrist. This could require the use of pins to hold the ligament repair in place.
- Reduction of a Fracture or Dislocation: the damage is reduced by placing the bones correctly and using pins to hold them in place.
In the case of Ligament Repair and Fracture/Dislocation Reduction surgeries, a cast will be applied to your wrist to keep the pins in place while you heal. Your surgeon will remove the pins anywhere from 8-12 weeks or when the injury has deemed to have healed completely.
After this, you will need to consult your physiotherapist so that strengthening and range of motion exercises can begin .
When To See A Healthcare Provider
Certain signs and symptoms can indicate a more serious cause of your wrist pain. Get medical help if you have:
- Pain that lasts more than a few days
- Inability to straighten or flex the joint
- An inability to carry objects or use the arm
- Pain at night or while resting
- A deformed joint
- A hand or fingers that are bluish
Read Also: How Do Chiropractors Treat Neck Pain
Treatment For Hyperextended Wrist Injury
The good news is that minor to moderate wrist hyperextension injuries can heal on their own with time, adequate rest, and care. You can speed up your healing process by using the RICE Method and doing the following:
- Rest: Avoid all aggravating activities for at least 48 hours or till the pain disappears to ensure you dont worsen the damage thats already done
- Ice: the affected area.Apply an ice pack on your wrist for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours until the pain and swelling subside
- Compress the injured wrist using gauze or a bandage to immobilize it and prevent it from moving.
- Elevate: the wrist above the level of the heart during rest or as frequently as possible to stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation
- Tryover-the-counter anti-inflammatoriesor pain-killers such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling
- Protect your injured wrist from further injury. This could mean using bandages, n over-the-counter wrist supports, orKinesio tape to keep the wrist safe.
If these do not work and you are still struggling with pain and loss of function, please consult yourphysiotherapist. He/she will make use of various physiotherapy techniques such as ultrasound and prescribe a wrist brace for your injury should you need one.
Your physiotherapist will then teach you some light stretches and exercises, and advance them as you heal to:
- Improve your wrist muscle strength
- Improve your wrist range of motion
- Improve your wrists ability to grip things and push
Wrist Bursitis Causes & Anatomy
Bursas are all over the body, in places where soft tissues may rub against each other or the underlying bone. Wrist bursitis affects people who tend to put a lot of weight on their hands, for example, cyclists.
There are two bursas in the wrist the radial bursa and the ulnar bursa. The radial bursa surrounds the flexor pollicis longus tendon on the thumb and palm sides of the wrist.
The ulna bursa surrounds the tendons of the flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus muscles, more centrally on the palm side of the wrist.
Causes of bursitis are either sudden trauma, or repetitive strain/overuse. In the latter, the bursa becomes inflamed and swollen due to repetitive friction.
Read Also: Lower Back Pain After Fall Buttocks
When To Seek Medical Attention
Certain symptoms of wrist tendonitis may indicate serious medical conditions. A few examples of dangerous symptoms include:
- Numbness and/or tingling in the fingers, hand, and/or forearm
- A sudden increase in pain and swelling in the wrist, hand, and/or forearm
- Inability to move the wrist
- Severe, persistent swelling of the wrist
Such symptoms may indicate bone fractures or nerve injuries in the hand, wrist, and/or forearm region. Sometimes, wrist tendonitis may cause swelling of the tendon, which may pinch or irritate an adjacent nerve, leading to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.2
Evaluation by a doctor can help accurately diagnose wrist tendonitis and initiate treatment. In most cases, wrist tendonitis may be managed with non-surgical treatment methods.
See What to Do When a Wrist Injury Occurs
Common Wrist Pain Causes And Injuries
We use our hands and wrists for so much in everyday life. As a result, it can be very painful, challenging, and frustrating when we lose any of that function because of an injury. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, connective tissues, and muscles. This includes everything from treating acute and traumatic injuries to managing chronic pain and diagnosing diseases that can affect your long-term quality of life.
The most common causes of wrist pain that we see at Fort Worth Hand Center include:
Also Check: Valgus Deformity Of The Knee
Don’t Miss: Dental Bridge And Nerve Pain
What Back Pain Treatment Options Are Available To Me Pain In Wrist When Bending Back
There are many methods for treating back pain at home, but only a few of these have been proven to be effective. The most common treatment is rest and applying ice to the painful area. This treatment is very relaxing and should be used for only 10-20 minutes. It should never be applied while you sleep. Also, exercise and stretching exercises are essential for keeping muscles and supporting tissues flexible. While some of these methods may not seem like they are effective for you, they can help you overcome your back pain.
Physical therapy is a good option for treating back pain. It will help you improve your posture and strengthen your core muscles. Massage therapy and acupuncture are other options for relieving tension and reducing joint pain. Some people also find that water therapy improves flexibility and balance, while yoga helps them heal faster from injuries. Proper nutrition and lifestyle changes are also important for treating back pain. It is very important to consult a physician if you are experiencing back pain because it will help you avoid more serious conditions later on.
Nsaidspain In Wrist When Bending Back

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely prescribed for people suffering from back pain. While acute back pain will often clear up on its own, chronic back pain may be harder to manage. NSAIDs are the best choice for first-line treatment in such cases. However, they can have serious side effects. Learn more about the side effects of NSAIDs for back pain. This article will discuss the side effects and dosage of NSAIDs for back pain.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published guidance on back pain in November 2016 that recommended NSAIDs as first-line treatment. However, the guidance did not report individual patient responses. The guideline also highlights the importance of prescribing NSAIDs at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible period of time. Therefore, it is important to consider your own personal circumstances when prescribing an NSAID.
The randomized controlled trials included a meta-analysis of 35 published trials. The study included over 6,000 participants. It found that one in six patients taking NSAIDs for back pain experienced a meaningful reduction in their symptoms. However, participants taking NSAIDs were 2.5 times more likely to develop gastrointestinal problems. This suggests that NSAIDs may not be a good option for treating back pain. However, these studies are still important because the NSAIDs used in these trials are extremely popular.
You May Like: Teeth Pain With Sinus Infection
What Can Trigger Pain When Bending Your Wrist
When you first felt pain when bending your wrist, you might not have thought it would affect your day too much. Yet, people who experience such pain soon find out how wrong they are.
They find that its painful to pick up their coffee cups and type their emails. Their pain even makes it harder to drive in many cases. Unfortunately, there are many people who might be living with such problems. One British medical study reports that up to 10% of the general population has hand and wrist pain. Determining the source of the pain you feel when bending your wrist is something a physical therapist can help you with. In addition, these specialists can show you ways to treat your wrist pain effectively.
What Back Pain Treatment Options Are Available To Me Pain In Wrist When Bending Back And Forward
There are many methods for treating back pain at home, but only a few of these have been proven to be effective. The most common treatment is rest and applying ice to the painful area. This treatment is very relaxing and should be used for only 10-20 minutes. It should never be applied while you sleep. Also, exercise and stretching exercises are essential for keeping muscles and supporting tissues flexible. While some of these methods may not seem like they are effective for you, they can help you overcome your back pain.
Physical therapy is a good option for treating back pain. It will help you improve your posture and strengthen your core muscles. Massage therapy and acupuncture are other options for relieving tension and reducing joint pain. Some people also find that water therapy improves flexibility and balance, while yoga helps them heal faster from injuries. Proper nutrition and lifestyle changes are also important for treating back pain. It is very important to consult a physician if you are experiencing back pain because it will help you avoid more serious conditions later on.
Also Check: Wisdom Tooth Coming In Pain
What Causes Wrist Pain
If you have wrist pain after a fall, an X-ray may show that you have a fracture, sprain or partial ligament disruption, but sometimes mysterious aches and pains appear. These symptoms may come and go, get worse throughout the day or never seem to go away. Finding the cause of chronic wrist pain can be a challenge. You should see your healthcare provider who will perform a careful examination and obtain appropriate imaging studies.
You may have wrist pain due to:
Unusual and rare sources of wrist pain include:
- Avascular Necrosis of a carpal bone.
- Cervical nerve compression.
When Should I See A Doctor For Wrist Pain
A professional doctorate ofphysical therapy can help evaluate the cause of your wrist problems and assist with solutions. If you have tried the above home treatments and are still experiencing chronic pain in the wrist or looking for additional ways to prevent sharp pains while bending the wrist in the future, a physical therapist or occupational therapist can help.
The Ivy Rehab Network has many clinics and therapists that are experts in the hand & wrist, and can help alleviate chronic hand and wrist pain. Our specialists know how to treat sharp pain in the wrist and other common symptoms with nonsurgical treatment so relieve swelling and numbness.
Whether you may require nonsurgical treatment or hand surgery, our physical therapy specialist will help get you on the right path towards recovery. So if you seek care such as wrist or hand therapy, you can request an appointment at your nearest location by clickinghere.
Article Reviewed by Holly Lookabaugh-Deur, PT, DSc, GCS, CEEAA
Holly Lookabaugh-Deur, PT, DSc, GCS, CEEAA is a practicing physical therapist and a partner and Director of Clinical Services at Ivy Rehab Network. Deur is board certified as a geriatric clinical specialist and certified exercise expert for aging adults with more than 35 years of clinical experience. She is certified as an aquatic and oncology rehabilitation specialist and serves as adjunct faculty at Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University.
Read Also: Lower Back Pain When Standing Up
Find Help For Wrist Pain When Bending The Wrist At Arrow Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
At Arrow Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, our team is committed to helping people reduce their pain as quickly as possible. Your pain-reduction process will typically begin with a free screening. This is intended to give us the chance to figure out whats causing your pain, and then, well use this information to create a personalized treatment plan for you. Your plan will be designed to provide you with benefits such as:
- Improved joint mobility
- Increased ability to do normal daily tasks
Take the next step to get our help with your wrist pain. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
Understanding Wrist Dislocation And Treatment
Wrist dislocations are more serious than a sprain. When the wrist is dislocated, one or more of the bones inside the wrist has moved out of alignment, and will need to be moved back into place. This is called reduction.
In some cases, reduction can be accomplished externally with sedation. However, for more severe dislocation, surgery may be necessary to correctly align the wrist bones again. The goal of reduction is to ease the pain associated with dislocation as well as restore original alignment and ensure full rotation and function.
Read Also: Pain Radiating From Wrist To Elbow
Don’t Miss: Upper Back Pain From Sitting At Desk
Common Hand And Wrist Injuries Among Athletes
Hand and wrist injuries account for approximately 25% of all sports injuries and are some of the most common injuries that athletes experience. Injuries of the hand and wrist can make daily tasks difficult both on and off the field. Prompt intervention is key when it comes to sports injuries, so knowing the signs and symptoms of these common hand and wrist injuries could be the difference between a few weeks in a cast and having to get surgery.
Here we will go over five common sports-related hand and wrist injuries, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.