Published on: 6/18/2025
What are the possible causes of forearm swelling near the wrist?
Swelling near the wrist in the forearm can be caused by injury, infection, inflammation, or circulation problems.
Explanation
Possible causes of forearm swelling near the wrist include:
Injury or trauma: Sprains, strains, fractures, or repetitive use can cause localized swelling near the wrist. Infections: Skin infections or abscesses near the wrist can cause swelling, redness, and warmth. Tendonitis or tenosynovitis: Inflammation of tendons around the wrist may lead to swelling and discomfort. Ganglion cysts: Fluid-filled lumps near the wrist can cause swelling or a visible bump. Venous insufficiency or blood clots: Poor circulation or a clot can cause swelling near the wrist and forearm. Arthritis: Inflammatory joint conditions can cause swelling around the wrist area. Lymphedema: Blockage of lymphatic drainage can cause swelling, sometimes affecting the wrist area.
If swelling is sudden, painful, worsening, or accompanied by redness, warmth, or fever, seek medical care.
(References)
- Dalton DM, Munigangaiah S, Subramaniam T, & McCabe JP. (2014). Acute bilateral spontaneous forearm compartment syndrome. Hand surgery : an international journal devoted to hand and upper limb surgery and related research : journal of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand, 24641749.
- Grundberg AB, & Reagan DS. (1985). Pathologic anatomy of the forearm: intersection syndrome. The Journal of hand surgery, 3980951.
- Sinha A, Goel L, Ranjan R, Gaba S, & Kumar A. (2017). Atraumatic Acute Compartment Syndrome of Forearm .... Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR, 28764255.
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