6 common causes of sudden wrist pain without injury

From getting dressed in the morning to playing our favorite sports, we use our hands and wrists to do just about everything, and pain can really get in the way. But aside from a broken bone or sprain, your wrist can develop a number of ailments. Performance Rehab provides wrist and hand therapy for patients with chronic or sudden pain and injuries. In this article, we'll discuss six possible reasons for sudden wrist pain without an injury and how physical therapy may help you feel better. 

1. Wrist arthritis

Affecting about 1 in 7 people in the U.S., wrist arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain. There are several different types, but one of the most prevalent is osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease can cause the cartilage in the joints to wear away. When this happens, bones lose their cushioning and rub uncomfortably together. The symptoms of wrist arthritis may include:

• Dull, aching pain 

• Swollen joints

• Stiffness or reduced range of motion

• Wrist and hand weakness

2. Wrist tendinitis

Wrist tendinitis occurs when the tendons within the wrist become irritated. These are the thick, fibrous tissues that connect the muscles in your forearm to the bones in your hand. Your tendon is covered by a thin layer of lubricated tissue called a sheath. If this sheath becomes swollen or inflamed, it prevents the tendon inside from gliding smoothly when you move.

Tendinitis is often an overuse or repetitive stress injury. This means it could have developed gradually due to repetitive motions you perform while typing, playing tennis or lifting things at work. Common signs of wrist tendinitis include:

• Wrist pain or tenderness, especially along the sides

• Mild swelling around your wrist or the base of your fingers

• Stiffness or limited range of motion

• A popping sensation when you move your wrist

3. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is another type of repetitive stress injury that occurs when the primary nerve in the wrist (the median nerve) gets compressed. The space between your wrist bones is called the carpal tunnel, and your median nerve runs through this narrow passageway. When part of your wrist becomes swollen or damaged, it can put pressure on this nerve. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of those injuries that creeps in slowly, so you may not realize you have it right away. Common symptoms include:

• A continuous ache or a sharp, burning wrist pain

• Tingling or numbness in your hand, fingers or wrist

• Wrist and hand weakness

4. Ganglion cysts in the wrist

If a small bump has developed just below the skin on the front or back of your wrist, you could have a ganglion cyst. Also called a bible cyst, this fluid-filled lump usually develops if you've torn the protective tissue that covers one of your tendons. It may be so small that you can't see it without an ultrasound or grow larger if you use your joint more often. Depending on the size and location, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Wrist pain

• Tingling 

• Stiffness

5. Kienböck's disease

Kienböck's disease is a condition where the lunate bone in the wrist isn't getting enough blood and it starts to break down. This is the small, crescent-shaped bone in your carpal tunnel. Bones need a steady blood supply to thrive, so a loss of blood can lead to this kind of degeneration. In some cases, you can also develop arthritis as a result. Common symptoms of Kienböck's disease include:

• A dull ache or localized pain directly over the lunate bone

• Stiffness or decreased range of motion

• Crepitus (crackling or grinding sounds)

• Swelling

• Weakness

6. Bursitis

Bursae are the small, fluid-filled sacs that help cushion the bones, tendons and muscles around your joints. When they're irritated and swollen, this condition is called bursitis. It's most often found in the elbows, knees and feet, but you can also get it in your wrist and other areas prone to repetitive stress injuries. The signs of wrist bursitis may include:

• Pain, especially while moving your wrist

• Limited range of motion

• Swelling

How physical therapy can help with wrist pain

A physical therapist can help you manage several wrist injuries and problems. The first step is seeing your provider to learn exactly what's causing your wrist pain. Many of the conditions mentioned above share similar symptoms, but an official diagnosis will help your provider develop the appropriate treatment plan. In physical therapy, your practitioner can teach you specific exercises that help with the following:

• Increasing your range of motion

• Strengthening the muscles that support your wrist and hand

• Improving wrist and arm flexibility 

• Pain management

They can also teach you how to make ergonomic adjustments at home to help alleviate some of your symptoms and prevent reinjury. And if you need surgery, your physical therapist can help you throughout the healing process afterward.

Schedule an appointment with Performance Rehab

If you're experiencing sudden wrist pain and other symptoms that've persisted after seven to 10 days, even with rest and at-home care, call Performance Rehab for a consultation. We have several convenient locations throughout Kansas City, Kansas. Our caring, knowledgeable team will create a treatment plan focused on your individual needs and guide you through it every step of the way.  

Ready to ditch the discomfort and get moving again? Connect with our experienced rehab specialists and take the first step toward a healthier, more active life. Request an appointment or contact us to get started.