Treating Common Wrist Conditions & Injuries

The wrist is made up of several joints. The joints meet where the radius and the ulna (the two forearm bones) join a group of eight bones called the carpus. The carpus and a band of connective tissue make up the carpal tunnel, the pathway for the median nerve. Wrist problems can occur when any of these areas are damaged. 

At Dignity Health, we want you to get back to enjoying a pain-free life. That’s why our orthopedic team focuses on treating pain at the source. We offer complete orthopedic care for a variety of wrist conditions, including: 

To learn more about treatment for wrist conditions and injuries in the Bay Area, Find a Doctor today.

Common Wrist Injury Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of common wrist conditions and injuries depend on the specific problem. Pain is the most common symptom of most wrist conditions. The pain can range from dull and achy to sharp and severe. Other symptoms include:

  • Inability to move the wrist through its full range of motion
  • Swelling and warmth over the wrist
  • Tenderness in one spot
  • Visual deformity with a broken wrist
  • Wrist stiffness

Causes of Common Wrist Conditions & Injuries

Overuse injuries from repetitive motions are a common cause of many wrist problems. These types of injuries are often chronic problems that develop slowly, last for long periods of time, and may come and go. Common overuse injuries include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Strains
  • Tendonitis

Other chronic wrist problems result from arthritis, or the degeneration (wear and tear) of the joint tissues over time.

Broken wrists and sprains are usually the result of trauma, which causes the wrist to bend more than the bones and ligaments can withstand.

Treatment of Common Wrist Conditions & Injuries at Dignity Health

Your orthopedist will design a personalized treatment plan based on your specific wrist condition or injury. Many minor wrist problems respond to home treatment, including over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines and rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). In cases where home treatment is not enough, your Dignity Health doctor in the Bay Area may also recommend:

  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Splints
  • Surgery
  • Wrist supports

Physical and occupational therapy and wearing appropriate protective devices can help prevent future wrist problems or reinjury. These options can help you strengthen and protect your wrist during sports, work, and other daily activities. Dignity Health offers unmatched physical therapy, rehabilitation, and sports medicine at St. Mary’s Medical Center and Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, and Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

Ready to put an end to your wrist pain? Call (866) 759-0708 today for a doctor referral.

Dignity Health offers expert treatment for wrist injuries in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.

Wrist Injuries in the Bay Area CA