What could cause simultaneous pain in my wrist and shoulder joint?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain in both the wrist and shoulder often points to two possible causes: joint impingement, where tendons or nerves become compressed, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition that can develop following a stroke. Impingement typically causes sharp pain with movement, while CRPS involves burning pain, swelling, and skin changes. Both conditions worsen without treatment, so identifying the cause early matters.

Because wrist and shoulder pain can stem from very different underlying issues—ranging from mechanical joint problems to nerve-related complications—self-diagnosing is risky. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify possible causes based on your specific symptoms and guide you toward the right next steps, whether that's rest, physical therapy, or seeing a specialist.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of wrist-shoulder pain Learn if your joint pain needs care Find out if pain could be serious See OTC options for joint pain relief Find a doctor for wrist-shoulder pain Understand medically valid home remedies for joint pain Check whether shoulder-wrist pain needs treatment

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Explanation

Experiencing pain in both your wrist and shoulder can be uncomfortable and concerning. There are a couple of possible reasons for this kind of pain.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): This condition can happen after a stroke. It causes pain in different parts of your body, including your joints like the wrist and shoulder. CRPS can make your skin sensitive and cause swelling or changes in color.
Joint Impingement Syndrome: This is when something gets in the way of your joint moving smoothly. It can cause pain, especially in the shoulder, but could also lead to wrist pain, if you have to use the wrist to compensate for poor shoulder movement.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, our free AI symptom checker can help you understand what might be causing your pain and guide you on next steps for treatment.

(References)

Kim YW, Kim Y, Kim JM, Hong JS, Lim HS, & Kim HS. (2016). Is poststroke complex regional pain syndrome the .... Medicine, 27495051.
Billi A, Catalucci A, Barile A, & Masciocchi C. (1998). Joint impingement syndrome: clinical features. European journal of radiology, 9652500.
Hiemeyer K, Joist R, & Menninger H. (1989). [Assessment of the functional origin of shoulder pain in chronic .... Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie, 2781874.

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