Wrist Pain

Wrist pain is any pain or discomfort in the wrist. Wrist pain with bruising and swelling is often a sign of an injury.

Treatment

For a recent injury:

• Rest your wrist. Keep it elevated.
• Apply ice to the tender and swollen area.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Wear a splint for several days. Wrist splints can be purchased at many drugstores and medical supply stores.

Get emergency care if:

• You are unable to move your wrist, hand or a finger.
• Your wrist, hand, or fingers are misshapen.
• You are bleeding significantly.

Call your doctor right away if:

• You have a fever over 100°F.
• You have a rash.
• You have swelling and redness of your wrist and you have had a recent illness (like a virus or other infection).

Call your doctor for an appointment if:

• You have swelling, redness or stiffness in one or both wrists.
• You have numbness, tingling, or weakness in the wrist, hand, or fingers with pain.
• You have lost any muscle mass in the wrist, hand, or fingers.
• You have been following self-care treatments for two weeks but still have pain.

To make an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists or to learn more about our services, centers and treatment options, please call 410-448-6400.