Wrist pain

The wrist is the joint that connects the radius of the forearm to the hand. The different bones located between the radius and the hand form a complex set of small joints. Wrist pain often results in limited movement and can develop either acutely or gradually.

Anatomy of the wrist

The wrist joint consists of two conceptual rows of four bones. These are called the 'carpal bones' or, in Latin, the ossa carpalia. The front (proximal) row of carpal bones is connected to the radius. This connection is called the 'radiocarpal' joint. The carpal bones of the proximal row are the os scaphoideum, os lunatum, os triquetrum, and os pisiforme. The back (distal) row of carpal bones connects to five metacarpal bones, the ossa metacarpalia. The connection between the front and back rows of carpal bones is called the midcarpal joint.

Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex
The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) connects the ulna (elbow bone) with the radius (forearm bone) and a carpal bone called the os triquetrum. It is a cartilage-like disc that, together with different ligaments, is located on the little-finger side of the wrist. The disc is also called the meniscus of the wrist, in reference to the meniscus of the knee.

Carpal tunnel
On the palm side of the wrist runs a narrow tunnel through which the flexor tendons of the thumb and fingers, several blood vessels, and a nerve, the median nerve (n. medianus), pass. This tunnel is called the carpal tunnel. On one side it is surrounded by the carpal bones and on the other—palmar—side by a band of connective tissue called the flexor retinaculum.

Stability
The passive stability of the wrist is largely provided by a complex structure of different ligaments. The active stability is provided by the muscles that coordinate movements in the hand and wrist.

Tendon sheaths
To allow the tendons to glide well along and over each other, the tendons pass through tendon sheaths at various points. These are fluid-filled tubes that protect the tendon from friction and pressure.

Check your wrist symptoms

Do you want a good picture of what could be causing the pain in your wrist? Then take the online physical therapy check. Indicate where you have pain and then answer some questions about your symptoms. At the end of the physical therapy check, your symptoms are compared with the most common conditions within physical therapy. If you wish, you can visit an affiliated physical therapy practice for professional help.

Wrist conditions

Below you will find an overview of conditions that can cause wrist pain. Each article provides extensive information about the symptoms, the cause, and possible treatment. When you take the online physical therapy check, your symptoms are compared with all these conditions.