Wrist injuries are common and can occur due to various reasons such as falls, accidents, overuse, and sports-related activities.

These injuries can range from minor sprains and strains to more severe conditions such as fractures, dislocations, and ligament tears. Proper diagnosis and treatment are necessary to alleviate the pain and restore the function of the wrist. Here are some of the most common wrist injuries and their treatments.

1. Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are the most common wrist injuries. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones in the wrist are stretched or torn, while a strain occurs when the muscles or tendons are stretched or torn.

Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and stiffness around the wrist, bruising, and limited range of motion. Treatment for mild cases involves rest, ice, compression, elevation, and over-the-counter pain medications. Severe cases may require immobilization in a splint or a cast, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

2. Fractures

A wrist fracture, also known as a broken wrist, occurs when one or more of the bones in the wrist are broken. This injury is typically caused by falls or direct blows to the wrist.

Symptoms of a wrist fracture may include pain, swelling, tenderness, and deformity. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Minor fractures can be treated with a cast or splint, while severe fractures require surgery to realign the bones and stabilize the wrist.

Physical therapy may also be recommended to restore function and flexibility.

3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist.

This condition is commonly caused by repetitive motions such as typing, assembly line work, and playing musical instruments. Initial treatment typically involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. If symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections, wrist splints, or in some cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

4. Tendinitis

Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons in the wrist, commonly caused by repetitive motions such as using a computer mouse or playing sports. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the wrist.

Initial treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, and over-the-counter pain medications. More severe cases may require immobilization in a splint or a cast, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections.

5. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that occurs when the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become inflamed, causing pain and limited mobility. This condition is commonly caused by repetitive motions such as grasping or pinching.

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Treatment may include rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medications, and wearing a wrist splint. Severe cases may require corticosteroid injections or surgery to release the inflamed tendons.

6. Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that form on the joints or tendons in the wrist. These cysts can be painful and limit range of motion.

Treatment may include immobilization in a splint or a cast, needle aspiration to drain fluid from the cyst, or surgical removal of the cyst.

7. Kienbock’s Disease

Kienbock’s disease is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to one of the small bones in the wrist is interrupted, causing the bone to die. This condition is commonly caused by trauma or overuse.

Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Treatment may involve immobilization in a cast or splint, physical therapy, or surgery to remove the damaged bone and replace it with a bone graft.

8. Scaphoid Fractures

A scaphoid fracture is a type of wrist fracture that occurs in the scaphoid bone, located on the thumb side of the wrist. This injury is commonly caused by falls on an outstretched hand. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the wrist.

Treatment involves immobilization in a cast or a splint for several weeks to allow the bone to heal. Surgery may be necessary if the fracture is severe or does not heal properly.

9. Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Tears

A TFCC tear occurs when the cartilage and ligaments in the wrist are injured, causing pain and limited mobility. This injury is commonly caused by falls on an outstretched hand or repetitive motions such as twisting, grasping, and lifting.

Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and clicking or popping sounds in the wrist. Mild cases may be treated with rest, ice, compression, and over-the-counter pain medications. More severe cases may require immobilization in a cast or a splint, physical therapy, or surgery to repair or remove the damaged tissue.

10. Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injuries

A UCL injury occurs when the ligament on the pinky side of the wrist is torn or stretched, causing pain and limited mobility. This injury is commonly caused by falls or sports-related activities such as gymnastics and baseball.

Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Mild cases can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and over-the-counter pain medications.

Severe cases may require immobilization in a cast or a splint, physical therapy, or surgery to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligament.