The wrist is also called the carpus. It is a complex joint between five metacarpal bones of the hand and the wrist (radiocarpal), which is joint between the radius (shorter of the two forearm bones on the thumb side of the arm) and ulna (longer of the forearm bones on the thumb side of the arm) bones of the forearm.
What causes wrist pain?
Wrist pain can be caused by sprins or fractures from a fall or other sudden injury. It can also be caused by chronic issues, such as repetitive stress, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Ulnar wrist pain and Radial wrist pain are usually caused by a scapholunate ligament sprain, partial tear or complete tear typically resulting from a fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH).
Other common causes of wrist pain include:
- Tumors including Glomus Tumor, Ganglion Cyst, Osteochondroma
- Carpal Instability
- Distal Radius Fracture (a fracture at the end of the radius bone near the wrist joint)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Physical Therapy for Wrist Pain
You may be referred to physical therapy for conservative care of acute or chronic symptoms. People are also referred before surgery for pre-operative (pre-surgical) therapy and/or post-operative (post-surgical) therapy to help with recovery and return of function.
If you are referred for therapy, remember that you can choose where you get your care even if the referring physician refers you to another therapy practice. Choose us for your wrist therapy needs.
