What should I consider if my forearm is swollen near the wrist?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Swelling near the wrist in the forearm is most often caused by injury (such as sprains, fractures, or tendon strain), infection, inflammation (including tendonitis or arthritis), or circulation issues like blood clots or fluid retention. While mild swelling may resolve on its own, persistent, painful, or worsening swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions.

Not sure what's causing your symptoms? Because forearm and wrist swelling can stem from many different underlying issues—some minor, others requiring prompt care—getting personalized insight early can save you time, worry, and unnecessary complications. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Swelling near the wrist may result from various issues, including:

Injury: Sprains, strains, fractures, or repetitive motion injuries can cause swelling. Infections: Skin infections like cellulitis can lead to redness, warmth, and swelling. Inflammation: Conditions like arthritis or tendonitis may cause localized swelling near the wrist. Circulation problems: Blood clots or poor vein or lymphatic drainage can cause swelling. Ganglion cysts: Fluid-filled lumps near joints can cause swelling and discomfort. Allergic reactions: Bites, stings, or exposure to irritants may cause swelling in the area.

If swelling is severe, lasts more than a few days, or is accompanied by pain, redness, warmth, or reduced movement, you can use a free symptom checker at https://symptomate.com/diagnosis/interview/0 to help identify potential causes before seeking medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

(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.
Ouellette EA, & Kelly R. (1996). Compartment syndromes of the hand. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 8876579.
Montechiarello S, Miozzi F, D'Ambrosio I, & Giovagnorio F. (2010). The intersection syndrome: Ultrasound findings and their .... Journal of ultrasound, 23396515.

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