We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Common Causes of a Sore Wrist?

By Meshell Powell
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,044
Share

A sore wrist is a relatively common complaint and may have a variety of causes. Some of the more frequent causes include traumatic injury, repetitive motion, or arthritis. Additional conditions that may cause a sore wrist include carpal tunnel syndrome or the presence of ganglion cysts. Any questions or concerns about wrist soreness or treatment options should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

Traumatic injury is one of the more easily diagnosed causes of a sore wrist. This type of injury may occur due to events such as a fall or an automobile accident. Repetitive movements such as typing, playing the piano, or participating in sports such as baseball or tennis may also lead to this type of soreness.

Arthritis is a common contributing factor in the development of a sore wrist. Osteoarthritis causes wear and tear of the cartilage that is found at the ends of the bones, and this type of arthritis usually affects the wrist only if it has been injured at some point in the past. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the wrist a bit more often and is considered an autoimmune disorder. When rheumatoid arthritis is the contributing factor, in most cases both wrists are affected.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may occur when a nerve becomes compressed or pinched and tends to become more painful over time. Numbness, tingling, and weakness of the affected wrist are common. Most patients benefit from non-surgical methods of treatment, although surgical intervention may become necessary in some cases.

Another potential cause of a sore wrist is the presence of a ganglion cyst. This condition is usually easy to diagnose because of the noticeable swelling of the cyst in the wrist area. In some cases, the cyst may disappear on its own without any specific medical treatment. In most cases, however, the cyst is either drained with the use of a needle or surgically removed.

Each cause requires a specific type of medical treatment. For this reason, it is important to see a doctor in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. The supervising physician may order additional tests, which will help confirm the exact reason for the pain and discomfort. Some possible treatment options include exercise, physical therapy, or surgical intervention.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-common-causes-of-a-sore-wrist.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.