Why does my wrist hurt?

Why does my wrist hurt? Maybe you’ve noticed it after typing, lifting, training or using your phone. Wrist discomfort can be frustrating when everyday tasks become awkward. Rather than assuming one cause, it helps to look at when it began, what aggravates it and what else you’ve noticed.

The wrist contains several small bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Pain may involve strain, irritation, injury or another health condition. Symptoms alone don’t identify the cause, so an individual assessment may be useful if discomfort is ongoing.

What Does Wrist Pain Feel Like?

Wrist discomfort can feel sharp, aching or stiff. You might notice it while typing, gripping weights, carrying shopping or turning a doorknob. Where it hurts and which movements bring it on are useful clues, but they don’t establish a diagnosis on their own.

Common Reasons Your Wrist Might Hurt

There’s more than one explanation for a sore wrist. A clinician can ask how it started, what activities affect it and whether an examination or referral would be useful.

Injuries and Repetitive Use

• After a fall or sudden movement: A sprain, strain or fracture is possible. If the wrist is significantly swollen, looks abnormal or is difficult to use after an injury, seek appropriate medical advice.
• Repeated gripping or loading: Working at a keyboard, using tools, playing sport or changing your gym routine can sometimes aggravate the tendons and other wrist structures. Small adjustments to how often or how hard you load the wrist may be worth discussing.

Other Conditions

• Tendon irritation: Discomfort can occur around the wrist or thumb, especially with certain repeated movements.
• Arthritis: Joint conditions may cause stiffness or swelling, although not every sore wrist is arthritis.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve can cause tingling, numbness or discomfort in parts of the hand.
• Ganglion cyst: A fluid-filled lump near a joint or tendon may sometimes be tender or restrict movement.
• Other causes: Inflammatory conditions and less common wrist problems can have overlapping symptoms, so persistent discomfort is worth assessing rather than guessing.

There isn’t one answer to why does my wrist hurt?. If it is interfering with work, exercise or ordinary movement, a registered health professional can assess your concerns and discuss options. At MyChiro in Bondi Junction, new patients may book a free initial consultation including assessment and advice. Treatment is not included; optional same-day treatment is $125 if clinically appropriate, with no obligation to proceed.