Wrist pain can make even the simplest daily tasks feel difficult — whether you’re typing at work, lifting groceries, scrolling on your phone, or enjoying your favourite sport.

The wrist is a complex structure made up of small bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that work together to provide strength, stability, and mobility. When any of these components become injured, inflamed, or overloaded, pain and limited function can quickly follow.

Common Causes of Wrist and Hand Pain

 

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist.
  • Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) — Overuse from repeated movements at work, during sports, or recreational activities.
  • Tendonitis — Inflammation of the wrist tendons, including De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
  • Fractures — Broken wrist bones, such as scaphoid or distal radius fractures, often from falls or trauma.
  • Sprains — Stretched or torn ligaments caused by falls, twisting injuries, motor vehicle accidents (ICBC), or workplace incidents (WorkSafe).
  • Arthritis — Including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
  • Ganglion Cysts — Fluid-filled lumps that commonly form along tendons or joints in the wrist.
  • Nerve Compression — Including ulnar nerve entrapment (Guyon’s canal syndrome) and other nerve-related issues.
  • Kienböck’s Disease — Reduced blood supply to one of the small wrist bones (lunate), leading to pain and potential bone damage.
  • Poor Ergonomics — Improper positioning of the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, or hands during computer work or repetitive tasks.
  • Post-Surgical Recovery — Pain, swelling, stiffness, and weakness following shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand surgery.

 

 

Common Symptoms of Wrist and Hand Pain

 

  • Pain — Sharp, dull, constant, or intermittent.
  • Swelling — Visible puffiness around the wrist and fingers.
  • Stiffness — Reduced range of motion, often worse in the morning.
  • Weakness — Difficulty gripping, holding, or lifting objects.
  • Numbness or tingling — Often radiating into the fingers.
  • Clicking or popping — Unusual sounds during wrist movement.
  • Warmth or redness — The wrist may feel warm and appear discolored.
  • Limited function — Trouble with everyday tasks such as working, typing, or household activities.
  • Pain that worsens with movement — Especially twisting, gripping, or weight-bearing activities.