Published on: 7/15/2025
What are the possible causes of sharp pain in the wrist joint?
Sharp wrist pain can be caused by different issues, such as injuries to the bones, ligaments, or tendons, or conditions like arthritis or nerve problems.
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Explanation
Sharp pain in the wrist can arise from various causes.
Common Causes:
- Injuries: Falls or direct impacts can lead to fractures or sprains, especially affecting the bones and ligaments in the wrist.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain in the wrist joint due to inflammation and wear and tear.
- Tendonitis: Overuse or repetitive movements can inflame the tendons, leading to pain.
- Nerve Problems: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome involve pressure on nerves, causing pain or tingling.
Ulnar-Sided Pain:
- Pain on the pinky side of the wrist can be due to specific issues like injuries to the TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex), which is common in athletes who use their wrists a lot.
Understanding the exact cause of wrist pain often requires a careful assessment, including medical history and sometimes imaging tests. If you have wrist pain, consider consulting a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management.
(References)
- Liao JC, Chong AK, & Tan DM. (2013). Causes and assessment of subacute and chronic wrist pain. Singapore medical journal, 24154586.
- DaSilva MF, Goodman AD, Gil JA, & Akelman E. (2017). Evaluation of Ulnar-sided Wrist Pain. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 28737618.
- Yamabe E, Nakamura T, Pham P, & Yoshioka H. (2012). The athlete's wrist: ulnar-sided pain. Seminars in musculoskeletal radiology, 23047280.
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