Wrist Weakness & Pain

Wrist pain is a very common complaint that can be the result of an injury or long-term problem. Weakness in the wrist often accompanies the pain. Treatment, therapy and prevention can help lessen the pain and also help rebuild strength.

Injuries

• Strains, sprains, breaks and fractures can all cause sudden wrist pain. These injuries will also cause immobility, weakness and reduced range of motion.

Causes

• Repetitive stress, arthritis and carpal tunnel can all cause wrist pain and weakness. These are long-term problems that must be addressed and treated. Anti-inflammatory medicines help and sometimes surgery is required.

Considerations

• Many different factors can be the cause of wrist pain and weakness. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is imperative in the treatment and in the prevention of further damage.

Kienbock's Disease

• Young adults are sometimes afflicted with Kienbock's disease. This ailment causes a progressive collapse of a small bone in the wrist. It frequently occurs when the blood supply to this wrist bone is obstructed. Pain and weakness are common.

Ganglion Cysts

• Soft tissue cysts that arise on the top of the wrist on the opposite side of the palm are called ganglion cysts. They can be large or small, but do not let size fool you. Smaller cysts often cause more pain and weakness than larger ones.

Gout

• Gout causes crystals to form in the joints and can be painful and limit movement in the many areas, including the wrist. Pseudogout is the result of calcium deposits in the joints, often in the wrist, resulting in pain, swelling and weakness.