Why does my wrist hurt more on the pinky side?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Ulnar-sided wrist pain refers to discomfort on the pinky side of the wrist. Common causes include:

Injuries: Sprains, fractures, or falls impacting the wrist bones
Ligament issues: Tears or damage to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)
Tendon problems: Inflammation or irritation of surrounding tendons
Chronic conditions: Arthritis or repetitive strain injuries

Symptoms may include swelling, weakness, clicking sensations, or reduced grip strength. Because so many structures overlap in this small area, pinpointing the exact cause on your own can be difficult—and getting it wrong can delay proper care.

The smartest next step is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll gain personalized insight into what may be behind your wrist pain and clear guidance on how to navigate next steps—no appointment, no cost, no wait.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Ulnar-sided wrist pain refers to discomfort on the side of the wrist closest to your pinky finger. This type of pain can be caused by many different things.

Possible Causes:

Injuries: Falls or impacts can injure bones or ligaments.
Tendon Problems: Tendons can become inflamed or injured.
Bone Issues: The small bones in your wrist might have problems.
Ligament Tears: Ligaments holding bones together can tear.

Why It Happens:

According to Sachar (2012), evaluating and treating ulnar-sided wrist pain involves understanding the many structures in this part of the wrist.
DaSilva et al. (2017) emphasize that proper evaluation is crucial to identify the specific cause.
Taleisnik (1987) discusses that pain might arise from complex interactions between these structures.

If you have wrist pain, you can start by taking a free symptom checker assessment to help identify potential causes and determine whether you need to see a healthcare provider. They might suggest rest, exercises, or other treatments to help your wrist feel better.

(References)

Sachar K. (2012). Ulnar-sided wrist pain: evaluation and treatment .... The Journal of hand surgery, 22721461.
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.
Taleisnik J. (1987). Pain on the ulnar side of the wrist. Hand clinics, 3818813.

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