Wrist pain Perth
Wrist
pain
Wrist pain is common and can have many different causes; from injuries like fractures to more subtle problems with ligaments, cartilage or tendons. Some issues are easy to see on scans, while others are harder to diagnose. That’s why a clear assessment is so important before starting treatment.
At The Wrist + Hand Institute Perth, our surgeons help find the cause of your pain and talk you through the options to get you moving again.
Common causes of wrist pain
Common causes of wrist pain include:
De Quervain's tenosynovitis
This painful condition affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. The tendons can become inflamed as they pass through a narrow tunnel near the base of the thumb. Pain and swelling are common, especially with gripping, lifting or turning the wrist. It often affects new parents, manual workers and athletes. Diagnosis is made on examination and may be confirmed with ultrasound. When surgery is needed, it’s a short day procedure under local anaesthetic through a small incision.
Ganglion cysts
Ligament injuries
How wrist pain is assessed
Because the wrist is complex, we take a step-by-step approach to work out what’s going on.
Your history
Your surgeon will ask about your medical history and how your symptoms started. For example:
- Do you experience pain, locking, clicking, weakness, swelling or reduced range of motion?
- Did the symptoms come on gradually, or after a specific fall, impact or injury?
- Do certain movements make the pain or symptoms worse?
Wrist examination
A careful examination of the wrist follows. Your hand and wrist surgeon will gently press on (palpate) and move specific joints and ligaments to pinpoint where your pain is coming from.
Imaging
Based on your history and examination, further tests may be ordered. These might include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, technetium bone scans, EMG studies or functional assessments. At our Claremont rooms, we also have an on-site ultrasound, which allows real-time assessment.
Arthroscopic surgery
Some injuries do not show up on scans. In these cases, wrist arthroscopy may be recommended. This involves inserting a tiny 1.9 mm camera into the wrist through keyhole portals, so the surgeon can directly inspect the bones, joints and ligaments. Arthroscopy can also allow treatment to be carried out at the same time. In most cases, this is done as day surgery.
Non-surgical care
Not every wrist problem needs an operation. Depending on the diagnosis, splinting, physiotherapy, exercises or injections may be appropriate. Some injuries, such as unstable fractures, are best treated with surgery. Your surgeon will explain the options so you can make an informed decision.
Wrist pain Perth
Next steps
If you have wrist pain, clicking, locking, swelling, weakness or reduced movement, it’s worth finding the cause early. A specialist assessment may help prevent the problem from worsening and protect function.
The Wrist + Hand Institute Perth consults at multiple locations across the Perth metropolitan area including Claremont, South Perth, Osborne Park, Midland, Rockingham, Joondalup and Cockburn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just use a splint or brace to treat wrist pain?
It’s important to have a diagnosis first. Splinting without knowing the cause can lead to stiffness and reduced movement. The right splint, or whether you need one at all, depends on the underlying problem. Your hand and wrist specialist will advise you once the cause is clear.