Pain is your body’s way of signaling when something isn’t right. But pain in some joints, like your wrist, can sometimes feel vague and hard to describe. However, paying attention to the nature and location of your symptoms makes it easier to describe to a medical professional to get the targeted treatment you need.
The medical term for pain located on the top side of the wrist is dorsal wrist pain. It’s a common issue that can result from a variety of underlying causes. Understanding these causes and their treatments can help you find the relief you need and get back to your daily activities with less discomfort.
Causes of wrist pain
The top of your wrist can hurt for several reasons. We can cover some of the most common causes, but a medical professional like a physical therapist will have the experience to diagnose the specific cause and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Tenosynovitis
Tenosynovitis refers to inflammation of the sheath that surrounds a tendon, which allows it to glide smoothly. While it most commonly affects the fingers, resulting in trigger finger, it can also cause pain in the wrist, especially near the thumb (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis). This condition is often associated with repetitive motion or strain, making it more likely to affect people with physically demanding jobs or hobbies.
Symptoms of tenosynovitis include pain on the top or side of the wrist, swelling near the tendon area, and difficulty moving the thumb or specific fingers
Sprain
Wrist sprains occur when one or more of the many ligaments connecting wrist bones to the bones of the hand and arm are stretched or torn, typically due to a fall or sudden impact. Ligaments play a crucial role in stabilizing the wrist, and injury to these structures can cause significant discomfort and swelling.
Symptoms of wrist sprains include:
- Pain at the top of the wrist
- Swelling and bruising
- Weakness or difficulty moving the wrist
- A “popping” sensation at the time of injury
Nerve entrapment or compression
Nerve entrapment issues in the wrist include but also go beyond the well-known carpal tunnel syndrome. This includes a compressed radial nerve that can also lead to pain on the top of the wrist and throughout the forearm and elbow. These problems are often caused by overuse or inflammation putting pressure on the affected nerves.
Symptoms of nerve entrapment:
- Pain and tingling sensations
- Numbness in specific areas of the hand or wrist
- Weakness when engaging the wrist
- Burning pain across the top of the wrist
Overuse injury
Frequent repetitive motion of the wrist can affect anyone from office workers to athletes. Over time, this strain can cause inflammation in the tendons, ligaments, or surrounding tissues, leading to generalized discomfort.
Aching pain throughout the wrist joint that might feel centered at the top of the wrist can be a symptom of overuse. Other symptoms of wrist overuse injuries include:
- Discomfort that worsens after repetitive motion
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity
How to treat top of wrist pain
The right treatment for top-of-wrist pain depends entirely on the underlying cause. Some of these treatments can be done at home with caution, understanding that not everyone will benefit from the same types of treatment.
The best way to know what will work for your experience of wrist pain is to get a diagnosis from a qualified medical professional like our Physical Therapists at Border Therapy Services.
Treatment options for wrist pain that we might recommend include:
- Rest and activity reduction
- Icing the affected area
- Over-the-counter medication to reduce inflammation
- Wrist braces
- Joint mobilization (under the guidance of a Physical Therapist)
- Ergonomic adjustments to your work station/routine
Finding a personalized solution to your wrist pain
Dealing with wrist pain can be frustrating, especially when it limits your ability to work, play sports, or enjoy daily activities. While many causes of top-of-wrist pain can be managed with simple at-home remedies, others may require the guidance of a professional.
But whether you’re just starting to feel the pain or have been hoping it would resolve on its own by now, our team is here for you. Start a conversation with a physical therapist near you by calling one of our El Paso locations or by requesting your first appointment online today.
