The wrist is a complex joint made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, making it susceptible to various injuries. Here are the most common wrist injuries.

Note: Wrist injuries are common, especially among athletes, laborers, and individuals who perform repetitive tasks. 

8 of The Most Common Wrist Injuries

1. Wrist Sprains

A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are overstretched or torn, often as a result of falls or twisting injuries. 

Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and a reduced range of motion in the wrist. 

Treatment typically involves the RICE method—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—to reduce inflammation and promote healing. In more severe cases, bracing or physical therapy may be recommended to support recovery and restore wrist strength and flexibility.

2. Wrist Fractures

There are several types of wrist fractures, including a distal radius fracture, which occurs near the end of the radius bone and is often caused by falling on an outstretched hand, and a scaphoid fracture, which affects one of the small wrist bones and is common in sports injuries. 

Symptoms typically include severe pain, swelling, visible deformity, and difficulty moving the wrist. 

Treatment generally involves immobilization with a cast or splint, while more severe fractures may require surgery to properly realign the bones.

3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, often resulting from repetitive motions or prolonged wrist flexion. 

The symptoms typically include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. 

Treatment options may include exercises, wrist splints, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or, in more advanced cases, surgery.

4. Tendonitis

There are several types of tendonitis that affect the wrist, including De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, which involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, and Flexor or Extensor Tendonitis, which affects the tendons responsible for wrist movement. 

Common symptoms of these conditions include pain, tenderness, and swelling around the affected tendons. 

Treatment typically involves rest, anti-inflammatory medications, splints, and physical therapy to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

5. Wrist Strain

The cause of wrist strain is typically overuse or sudden force, which leads to minor injuries in the muscles or tendons. 

Symptoms include mild pain, swelling, and weakness in the wrist. 

Treatment generally involves rest, ice application, and a gradual return to activities to allow healing and prevent further injury.

6. Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that develop on the wrist, often with no clear cause. 

The symptoms typically include a visible lump, mild pain, and discomfort during wrist movement. 

Treatment options include observation, aspiration to remove the fluid, or, in some cases, surgical removal if the cyst causes persistent discomfort or problems with wrist function.

7. Wrist Dislocation

Wrist dislocation are caused by trauma that forces the wrist bones out of their normal alignment, often resulting from falls or car accidents. 

Symptoms include severe pain, visible deformity, swelling, and limited wrist motion. 

Treatment typically involves manual realignment, known as reduction, followed by immobilization to allow healing. In some cases, surgery may be required to properly align the bones and ensure full recovery.

8. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)

Repetitive Strain Injuries are caused by overuse of the wrist from repetitive tasks such as typing or assembly-line work. 

The symptoms include persistent pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion in the affected wrist. 

Treatment typically involves making ergonomic adjustments to improve posture and reduce strain, along with rest and physical therapy to help alleviate pain and restore function.

Preventing Wrist Injuries

In order to prevent wrist injuries, we recommend you to:

• Use protective gear during sports or high-risk activities.
• Practice proper ergonomics at workstations.
• Take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks.
• Strengthen wrist muscles with targeted exercises.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain or swelling.
• Visible deformity.
• Numbness or weakness in the hand or wrist.
• Symptoms that do not improve with rest and home care.