Synonyms
Radiocarpal joint
Introduction
A variety of chronic and acute conditions can cause wrist pain. The pain reported by the person affected can take on different qualities depending on the cause. From short-lasting, stabbing to long-lasting pain phenomena, everything is possible in the wrist area. The exact quality and localization of the pain is an important point of reference in the search for the cause. In addition, possible radiations, loss of sensitivity and the load-dependent occurrence of the discomfort can provide a first indication of the underlying disease.
Localization of the complaints
Pain on the outside of the wrist can have various causes. One must take into account ganglia, which can form as a result of overstraining and lead to pain and restricted movement. Osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear of the joint, is a possible diagnosis and is particularly common in old age.
Infections, e.g. after an open wound into which pathogens have entered, are also possible. If an impact or fall has occurred previously, a fracture could also be behind it, which can be ruled out by means of an X-ray. Pain on the inside of the wrist (towards the palm) may be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.
This is a syndrome in which a nerve is trapped in the so-called carpal tunnel. This nerve (nervus medianus) supplies the palm and especially the thumb, index and middle finger with feeling and supplies the muscles. If the carpal tunnel becomes too narrow because the ligament structure thickens, symptoms occur.
Carpal tunnel syndrome often affects older and especially female persons. Affected persons complain of a feeling as if the hand falls asleep and becomes numb. Tingling and pain as well as loss of movement can also occur.
This often occurs at night and is so unpleasant that patients wake up from it and have to move their hand. Temporarily, this can also occur during pregnancy, but usually disappears again. Saddle joint arthrosis (rizarthrosis) of the thumb joint can also project pain onto the palm of the hand. In rare cases, a ganglion can also form on the inside of the hand and cause pain there. In rare cases, the death (necrosis) of metacarpal bone occurs, such as lunatum malacia, which also causes pain.
