Why might I experience pain on the ulnar side of my wrist?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Ulnar-sided wrist pain (pain on the pinky-finger side of your wrist) can result from several causes, including:

Injuries to the bones, such as fractures of the ulna or small carpal bones
Ligament damage, particularly to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)
Tendon conditions, such as tendonitis or extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) subluxation
Arthritis or nerve-related issues affecting the wrist

Because these causes range from minor strains to conditions that may require medical treatment, identifying the source of your pain early is key to preventing further damage and choosing the right next step.

Not sure what's causing your wrist pain? Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your symptoms and clearer guidance on what to do next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Ulnar-sided wrist pain can be caused by different issues, and understanding these can help in managing the pain.

Common Causes:

Injuries: Falls or direct impacts can cause fractures or ligament tears.
Tendon Problems: Inflammation or irritation of tendons can lead to pain.
Arthritis: Conditions like arthritis can affect the small joints in the wrist.

Evaluation and Diagnosis:

Doctors may use imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to see inside the wrist.
A physical exam will help determine which movements cause pain.

Treatment Options:

Rest and ice can help reduce swelling and pain.
Splints or braces might be used to keep the wrist still.
In some cases, surgery may be needed if other treatments don't work.

Understanding the cause of your pain is important for finding the right treatment. If you're experiencing wrist pain and want to explore what might be causing it, try our free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights before your doctor's visit.

(References)

Sachar K. (2008). Ulnar-sided wrist pain: evaluation and treatment .... The Journal of hand surgery, 18984356.
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.
Watanabe A, Souza F, Vezeridis PS, Blazar P, & Yoshioka H. (2010). Ulnar-sided wrist pain. II. Clinical imaging and treatment. Skeletal radiology, 20012039.

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