Wrist & Hand Pain

Hand and wrist pain can result from various diseases, syndromes or injuries. Pain may be treated with medications and self-care.

Diseases

• Arthritis and Kienbock's disease often cause hand and wrist pain. Arthritis is a common disease characterized by joint pain. Kienbock's disease occurs when blood flow to the lunate bone is obstructed, resulting in wrist pain that may radiate to the hand.

Syndromes

• Carpal tunnel syndrome and reflex sympathetic dystrophy cause hand and wrist pain. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the wrist's ligaments and tendons become inflamed from overuse, pinching nerves in the hands. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy affects the shoulder, arm and hand, causing pain and decreased movement ability.

Injuries

• Sprain, strain and fractures also cause hand and wrist pain. A strain occurs when the muscle or tendon is injured. A sprain is an injury to the ligament. Fractures are breaks or cracks in the bones.

Diagnosis

• Persistent or severe wrist and hand pain should be evaluated by a physician. Diagnosis may require X-rays and other medical scans.

Treatment

• Wrist and hand pain may be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Ice packs and wrapping the affected area with Ace bandages also may help.