What Are the Causes of Bilateral Wrist Pain?

Bilateral wrist pain is characterized by discomfort in both wrists. The pain generally results from an underlying cause classified as inflammation, injury or infection. Treatment for bilateral wrist pain may include medications, splints and corrective surgery.

Causes and Symptoms

• Bilateral wrist pain usually results from either overuse or injury. Individuals may experience stiffness and swelling of the wrists, difficulty moving their wrists, and weakness and numbness of the hands.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common cause of wrist discomfort resulting from overuse. Individuals with this condition experience persistent wrist pain and numbness in their hands.

Inflammation

• Conditions, including tendinitis, arthritis, gout and lupus, can cause an inflammation of the joints and connective tissues of the wrists and hands, resulting in persistent pain.

Infection

• Bacterial infection as experienced in the joints and bones can manifest in inflammation, causing discomfort of the wrists. Bacterial and staph infections are most commonly associated with the joints and bones.

Injury

• Injuries such as sprains and fractures can cause wrist pain that worsens with movement. In such cases, the individual's range of motion in the wrists becomes painfully limited.

Treatment

• Treatment for bilateral wrist pain is dependent on the confirmed diagnosis of an underlying cause. Frequently, treatment may include anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications, cold compresses and splints. In severe cases, corrective surgery may be performed.