Wrist pain

Learn about wrist pain

Wrists are complex and flexible structures that we use all the time,
which is why they are prone to injury.

Here we look at the common causes of wrist pain and
how to treat them effectively.

 

Treat your pain

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Symptoms of wrist pain

Wrist pain may be experienced in many different ways and can affect your quality of life.

1. Wrist pain due to injury may stop you from carrying out basic activities such as lifting things, writing, typing, or putting weight on your hand or wrist.
2. Tenderness, inflammation and problems moving wrists and hands freely can also occur in various wrist problems.
3. If your wrist is injured it may appear bruised and swollen and you may have difficulties moving it.

Person holding their wrist in discomfort

How wrist pain can affect you

Wrist pain can make it difficult to perform activities that require easy movement of your hands and wrist, such as typing or playing the piano.

DID YOU KNOW?

The bones in the wrist include the ends of the radius and ulna (the long bones of the forearm) and eight carpal bones (the bones of the wrist.)

Why do we experience wrist pain?

There are many reasons why you could be experiencing wrist pain, which can make it difficult to diagnose the exact cause of your wrist pain.

Tennis racket as a reason for wrist pain

Common causes of wrist pain

Wrist pain is often caused by sprains from injuries, while injury or overuse can also cause tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons).

Some factors might increase the risk of wrist pain

There are some activities that are more likely to cause wrist pain, including sports that involve lots of wrist movement like bowling or tennis.

Old woman painting

Expert treatment

Usually mild wrist pain does not require medical attention and minor sprains and strains respond to ice, rest and over-the-counter pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). To be sure the medication is right for you, always read and follow the label.

How to alleviate wrist pain

Hand exercise icon for mobility and strength training

Rest your wrist and do not exercise it when it is inflamed; keep it raised above the heart level

Pain alleviation snowflake icon

Apply ice to the tender, swollen (inflamed) area

Pain and inflammation medicine pills icon illustration

Follow advice from your doctor or pharmacist on taking medicines to relieve pain and inflammation

Wrist exercise equipment icon for strength and rehabilitation

Exercise your wrist to keep it flexible and strong, but avoid movements that cause pain

Health, wellness & your pain

Pain is rarely just physical nor is it always solved by taking medicine alone. Voltaren is your ally in helping you take more control of your pain journey, from the way you sleep, to mental wellbeing and complementary pain relief therapies.