Hand and wrist pain is extremely common. These areas contain small, delicate structures that are easily strained or injured. Repetitive use, daily wear and tear, or sudden trauma can all lead to pain and discomfort.
While many minor issues can be managed at home with rest, ice or over-the-counter medications, more serious pain should be evaluated by a health care provider. At Banner Health, our orthopedic experts are here to help you find relief and restore function.
Hand and wrist pain can come from a variety of causes, including:
Pain may originate in the bones, joints, tendons, nerves or soft tissues of the hand and wrist.
There are a number of different causes and types of hand and wrist pain. Pain can originate in different areas of the complex skeletal structure of the hand and wrist, including:
Pain and swelling in the hand and wrist can occur from:
Arthritis is the inflammation of joints and a leading cause of pain and stiffness in the fingers, hand and wrist. Common types include:
Symptoms of arthritis may include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness or tingling in the hand and wrist. It happens when the median nerve is compressed—often due to overuse from typing or manual work.
Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome.
Congenital hand differences are conditions that can affect the structure and function of the hand and wrist. These differences develop early in pregnancy and may involve changes in the bones, joints, soft tissues or tendons. While some are easily visible at birth, others require imaging for diagnosis. While some children have hands that function well despite an unusual appearance, others may experience challenges with daily activities.
Learn more about congenital hand differences.
Peripheral compression neuropathies (also called nerve entrapment syndromes) happen when pressure is placed on a peripheral nerve, often due to repetitive motion, injury or swelling. This pressure affects nerve signals and can lead to pain, numbness or muscle weakness in the hands, arms, legs or feet.
Learn more about peripheral compression neuropathies.
Injuries can lead to acute or chronic pain. Common injuries include:
If left untreated, these injuries can lead to long-term pain or mobility issues.
If you’ve recently injured your hand or wrist, schedule an orthopedic evaluation today.
Many hand and wrist issues improve with conservative treatment:
Need help managing pain? Connect with a Banner orthopedic specialist.
If nonsurgical treatments aren’t enough or if you have a more serious injury or condition, your provider may recommend surgery. Common procedures include:
In some cases, prior surgeries or implants may wear out or fail over time. This may require:
Recovery timelines vary based on your procedure and overall health, but many people return to regular activity within 6 to 8 weeks. Tips for recovery include:
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