For Healthcare Professionals Where to Buy Learn about wrist pain Wrists are complex and flexible structures that we use all the time, which is why they are prone to painful problems. Here we look at the common causes of wrist pain and how to treat them effectively. TREAT YOUR PAIN Symptoms of wrist pain Wrist and hand pain may be experienced in many different ways and can really affect your quality of life. Wrist pain may stop you from carrying out basic activities such as lifting things, writing, typing, or putting weight on your hand or wrist. Weakness, numbness, tingling, tenderness, inflammation and problems moving wrists and hands freely can also occur in various wrist problems. If your wrist is injured it may appear bruised and swollen and you may have difficulties moving it. How wrist pain can affect you Wrist pain can make it difficult to perform activities that require easy movement of your hands and wrist, such as typing or playing the piano. DID YOU KNOW? The bones in the wrist include the ends of the radius and ulna (the long bones of the forearm) and eight carpal bones (the bones of the wrist.)* Globally, 51% of people with pain experience pain in their hands.** TREAT YOUR PAIN Why do we experience wrist pain? There are many reasons why you could be experiencing wrist pain, which can make it difficult to diagnose the exact cause of your wrist pain. Common causes of wrist pain Wrist pain is often caused by sprains or sprains from injuries, while injury or overuse can also cause tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) or bursitis (where fluid builds up in the sac of fluid that cushions the wrist joints, called the bursa). Some factors might increase the risk of wrist pain There are some activities that are more likely to cause wrist pain, including sports that involve lots of wrist movement like bowls or tennis, and jobs that require repetitive work such as typing and cutting hair. If you’re overweight or have diabetes you are also more likely to experience wrist pain. Expert treatment Usually wrist pain does not require medical care and minor sprains and strains respond to ice, rest and over-the-counter pain medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These help reduce the inflammation and alleviate the pain. If the pain and swelling last longer than a few days or it worsens, it is recommended that you visit your doctor, who might order imaging tests (e.g. X-ray, MRI or CT scan), or a blood test to rule out underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor might also suggest wearing a splint or brace or performing exercises to strengthen the hand and wrist. How to alleviate wrist pain 1 2 3 4 Rest your wrist and do not exercise it when it is inflamed; keep it raised above the heart level Explore our range Find out how our products can help Discover the Voltarol product range to find the right product to treat your pain. FIND OUT MORE Learn more What is pain? Understand why our bodies experience the sensation of pain and the many causes of body pain. Explaining osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Find out more about what causes it and how to relieve your pain. Explaining osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Find out more about what causes it and how to relieve your pain. *GSK Global Pain Index Research 2014, report, p.8 Privacy Policy Terms of Use Cookie Policy Site Map Contact Us Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel, Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (for non-serious arthritic conditions), Voltarol Joint Pain Relief 2.32% Gel and Voltarol 12 Hour Joint Pain Relief 2.32% Gel contain diclofenac diethylammonium, and can be used for muscular / joint pain relief. Do not use on children under 14 years. Always read the label. Voltarol 140 mg Medicated Plaster for relief of pain and inflammation contains diclofenac sodium. Always read the label. Do not use on children under 16 years. ©2021 GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare This website is intended for United Kingdom residents only. Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies. CHGBI/CHVOLT/0193/19 Follow us Cookie Settings We use cookies to enhance your website experience. Some cookies are necessary to run the website. Others are optional: performance cookies show us how you use our website and features; functional cookies remember your preferences and advertising cookies help us share relevant content. Cookie Policy Opt Out Accept All Cookies Cookie Settings