What could cause pain in the outer wrist joint?

Pain in the outer wrist joint, or the side that the pinky is on, is often referred to as ulnar wrist pain, and can have several causes. One common cause is related to sports activities, especially those involving repetitive wrist movements, like tennis. This type of pain is frequently seen in athletes due to the strain on the ulnar side of the wrist.

Another potential cause of outer wrist pain is stiffness following a fracture in the wrist area. When a fracture occurs, especially in the distal radius, it can lead to stiffness and discomfort in the wrist joint as it heals. This stiffness can contribute to ongoing pain and difficulty with wrist movements.

In summary, outer wrist pain can result from sports-related injuries, particularly those affecting the ulnar side, or from complications such as stiffness after a wrist fracture. Proper diagnosis and treatment are important to address the underlying cause and alleviate the pain.