A number of factors can cause pain to flare up in your wrist. Understanding why you’re in pain is the best place to start when you’re looking for relief.

While the most common cause of wrist pain and associated injuries is an accident, a number of everyday activities and some diseases can also be to blame. Because accurately diagnosing your pain is crucial for proper treatment, we’re going to take you through the main causes first. 

What are the main causes of wrist pain?

You experience wrist pain when you damage the bones, muscles, ligaments or connective tissue surrounding the wrist.

  1. A sudden fall or accident. The most common reaction to falling is throwing out your hands to take the hit. The impact from hitting the floor usually bends your wrist backwards which can overstretch and sometimes tear the ligaments inside.
  2. Repetitive stress at work. If you type, hand write or carry out a task with your hands or arms over and over again for work, you might also start to experience wrist pain.
  3. Joint overuse during sport. If you play a racquet sport, netball, basketball or volleyball, this could be the cause of your wrist pain. During a particularly strenuous training session or game, you could overstretch or wear out your wrist joint.
  4. Damage from disease. Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome and DeQuervain's disease are the most severe causes of pain in the wrist. It’s crucial to refer yourself to a specialist physician if you suspect you might have one of the above diseases. Tumours in and around your hand are a very rare cause of wrist pain.
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Treating your wrist pain

Elastoplast offers a range of products to help you relieve pain in your wrist.

If you injure your wrist it’s important to RICER: 

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Preventing wrist pain

The best way to prevent wrist pain is to exercise, play sport, and work in safe conditions.

  • Avoid falling. It sounds simple but wearing sensible shoes, ensuring you exercise and work in enough light and being extra careful on slippery surfaces will help prevent you from sustaining an injury from falling. 2
  • Understand ergonomics. Keep your wrist, hand and arms in a comfortable elevated position when typing or performing other repetitive movements. Remember to take regular breaks too.2
  • Protect yourself. An Elastoplast Sport Adjustable Wrist Support will provide both relief and support when you exercise and play sport. An Elastoplast Sport Everyday Wrap around Wrist support is another helpful tool.
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Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, contact your healthcare practitioner.

Although compiled with great care, please note that the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website. Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the leaflets of our products. For further information about our products, please contact us here.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.