If you are experiencing wrist pain that is affecting your ability to work, type, lift, or enjoy your favorite activities, you are not alone. Wrist pain is one of the most common complaints we see in physical therapy. It can come from a variety of causes including overuse injuries to traumatic accidents. Understanding the source of your wrist pain is the first step toward recovery. This article will go over the most common causes of wrist pain and how physical therapy can help you recover and prevent it from coming back.
1. Wrist Arthritis
Wrist arthritis occurs when the cartilage between the wrist bones wears down over time, leading to stiffness, swelling, and chronic pain. It’s often seen in older adults or individuals with a history of wrist injury. Common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of wrist arthritis:
- Aching or throbbing wrist pain
- Morning stiffness
- Limited wrist mobility
- Pain that worsens with activity
How physical therapy helps:
Our physical therapists use joint mobilization, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises to reduce stiffness, improve range of motion, and strengthen the surrounding muscles to support the joint. We also teach joint protection techniques to help you manage arthritis long-term.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the leading causes of wrist and hand pain. It occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, often due to repetitive hand motions like typing or gripping.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Wrist pain that may extend up the forearm
- Weakness or difficulty gripping objects
How physical therapy helps:
We address nerve compression with nerve gliding exercises, manual therapy, postural correction, and ergonomic training to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Early intervention through physical therapy can often prevent the need for surgery.
3. Wrist Sprain
A wrist sprain happens when the ligaments connecting the wrist bones are overstretched or torn. This typically occurs from a fall or sudden twist. It is a very common sports and workplace injury.
Symptoms of a wrist sprain:
- Pain and swelling after impact
- Difficulty moving or bending the wrist
- Bruising or tenderness
How physical therapy helps:
After confirming there’s no fracture, physical therapists create a plan that may include gentle range-of-motion exercises, progressive strengthening, and stabilization training.
4. Wrist Fracture
A wrist fracture, often involving the radius or scaphoid bone, typically occurs from falling on an outstretched hand. This injury can lead to stiffness, weakness, and loss of function even after the bone heals.
Symptoms of a wrist fracture:
- Severe pain and swelling
- Visible deformity or bruising
- Limited movement or inability to bear weight
How physical therapy helps:
Following cast removal or surgical repair, physical therapy focuses on restoring flexibility, strength, and normal motion. Physical therapists use manual techniques, strengthening programs, and functional retraining to help you regain full wrist mobility.
5. Tendonitis and Overuse Injuries
Repetitive strain from typing, lifting, or using handheld devices can lead to wrist tendonitis which is inflammation of the tendons around the wrist joint. Common examples include De Quervain’s tenosynovitis and flexor/extensor tendonitis.
Symptoms of tendonitis:
- Pain with wrist movement or gripping
- Swelling or warmth over the tendon
- Weakness or stiffness
How physical therapy helps:
Physical therapists can apply soft tissue mobilization, stretching, and eccentric strengthening exercises to restore normal tendon function.
If you have wrist pain that lasts more than a few days, Respire’s physical therapists can help you get back to the life you love. Call Respire Physical Therapy at the Falls Church Location (703-671-1871) or the Annandale Location (571-369-6728) to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled Physical Therapists today! Click here to request an appointment online and we will contact you as soon as possible.
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