Wrist pain

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Carpal tunnel syndrome

Wrist splint

(Page 2)

Call your doctor for an appointment if:

• You have swelling, redness or stiffness in one or both wrists.
• You have numbness, tingling, or weakness in the wrist, hand, or fingers with pain.
• You have lost any muscle mass in the wrist, hand, or fingers.
• You have been following self-care treatments for two weeks but still have pain.

Your doctor will perform a physical examination, which may include an examination of the wrists and hands, and ask questions such as the following:

• When did the wrist pain begin?
• Did it occur suddenly and severely or gradually and mildly?
• Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?
• Is the pain worse in the morning or at night?
• Does it go away without self care?
• Is the pain sharp, throbbing, or burning? Is there numbness or tingling in any of your fingers?
• Where exactly is the pain? Is it in both wrists? Does it extend into the fingers?
• Does the pain occur only with certain movements or positions?
• Does the pain prevent normal use of the wrist, hand, or arm?
• Is the pain worse with movement?
• What helps it? Is it better with immobilization to prevent movement? Does splinting the wrist or applying heat help?
• Do any medications help?
• Is there joint pain elsewhere?
• Is there pain elsewhere, such as the neck?
• What medications are you taking?
• Have you had any recent injuries or illnesses?
• Are you involved in activities requiring repetitious hand and wrist movements, such as sewing, knitting, computer keyboard use?

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Diagnostic tests that may be performed include an x-ray. If your doctor suspects that you have an infection, gout, or pseudogout, he or she may draw fluid from from the joint to examine under a microscope.

Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. Injection with a steroid medication may be performed. Surgery or medications may be needed to treat some conditions.

Review Date: 07/10/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).