ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Wrist Pain

What is wrist pain?

23 January 2026

A painful episode in the wrist can be caused by injuries such as fractures, sprains, or strains, or also due to various underlying medical conditions.

This variety of possible causes complicates its identification, which is essential for prescribing the adequate treatment and avoiding complications.

Within the range of injuries, diseases, and conditions that can produce wrist pain are:

  • Fractures.
  • Sprains.
  • Strains.
  • Tendinitis.
  • Twists/Wrenches.
  • Suffering from osteoarthritis.
  • Suffering from arthritis.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Diabetes.
  • Obesity.
  • Gout.
  • Ganglion cysts.
  • Kienböck’s disease.

Signs and symptoms Wrist Pain

The type of pain experienced in the wrist depends on the cause that provokes it, but generally it can be:

  • Sharp.
  • Continuous.
  • Throbbing.

Additionally, the following may occur:

  • Tingling.
  • Numbness.
  • Swelling (Inflammation).
  • Lack of strength.
  • Limitation of movement.

Diagnosis and treatment Wrist Pain

Once the orthopedist analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination where they will touch various points in the affected area to observe levels of swelling, tenderness, and pain. Additionally, they will ask you to perform various movements and measure your strength.

Depending on the findings, the orthopedist will determine what type of tests are required to identify the possible cause, and may request X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scan), arthroscopy, and electromyography (EMG).

The treatment to follow will be established according to the cause of the wrist pain, but normally includes:

  • Analgesics (Pain relievers).
  • Anti-inflammatories.
  • Physical therapy.

For more severe cases, where there are serious injuries such as fractures, ligament or tendon ruptures, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome, the corrective surgical option is indicated.

At the Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology, we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the locomotor system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Related centers and departments Wrist Pain

High Specialty Surgery Center
Orthopedics and Traumatology Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Source:

  • cun.es
  • sanitas.es
  • mayoclinic.org.
  • stanfordchildrens.org
  • medilineplus.gov
  • topdoctors.es
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Manchi-Zuloeta FR, Chávez-Rimache LK, Chacón-Uscamaita PR, et al. Relación entre las posturas de trabajo y síntomas musculoesqueléticos en estudiantes de odontología en Lima. Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas. 2019;18(5):730-740.
  • Díaz-López JJ, Vázquez-Alonso MF, Tovar-Beltrán O. Carpectomía proximal en paciente con artrosis de muñeca. Acta Ortop Mex. 2019 Sep-Oct;33(5):273-276. doi:10.35366/OR195B.
  • Comboza MRE, Miniguano TAA, Vargas BAB, et al. Síndromes dolorosos musculotendinosos. Revisión de literatura. Rev Cub de Reu. 2019;21(3):1-8.
  • Aguilar AJL. Lesiones complejas de muñeca. Ortho-tips. 2019;15(1):4-5.

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.