Wrist & Hand Conditions

About the Wrist and Ankle:

 

Wrist and/or hand pain is very common. Although wrist and hand pain can be very painful, there is rarely a serious cause for the pain. For lots of people that experience wrist and hand pain, the pain will usually settle on its own within 6-12 weeks. This page will guide you to manage your recovery from wrist and hand pain and also advise when to seek help. 

  • If your wrist and/or hand pain has been ongoing for longer than 3 months, you may find further useful information in the persistent pain section.

 

  • If your pain or reduced function is due to osteoarthritis you may find useful information in the osteoarthritis section.

 

  • If your pain or reduced function is due to a rheumatological condition, you may find useful information in the rheumatological conditions section.

Key Facts about the Hand & Wrist

  • The wrist is made of multiple bones. It is comprised of the radius and ulna (forearm bones), as well as 8 small bones called carpal bones.

  • Each hand consists of 27 bones in total which allow for us to manipulate objects with precision and provide us with a large range of motion. 

  • Many people get wrist and hand pain without any actual damage to the joints or other structures (e.g. muscles, tendons and ligaments). 

  • Graded movement and exercise in most cases is not harmful to your wrist and hand and will actually help your pain by making these joints stronger and more mobile.  

  • There are lots of things you can do by yourself to help you manage your wrist/hand pain (see below). 

A number of different factors can contribute to the start of wrist and hand pain. These include:

  • An injury or trauma to the wrist affecting muscles, bones, ligaments, and/or tendons.

  • A sudden change in your activity levels (either increasing or decreasing). This can include things such as repetitively lifting a new baby or picking up a new hobby such as playing piano or guitar.

  • Nerve irritation that may arise from the neck, elbow or hand. Ex: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

  • Conditions such as fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

  • A period of life changes such as: increased stress, low mood, poor sleep, increased fear or worry.

  • General lifestyle factors such as smoking and/or not maintaining a healthy weight or diet.

 

  • Pain into the wrist and/or fingers.

  • Stiffness. 

  • Swelling.

  • Tingling into the hand and/or fingers. 

  • Reduced strength.

  • Reduced grip strength.

For general wrist & hand exercises, click the link below

Wrist & Hand Exercises