Description

Ulnar wrist pain is pain on the side of your wrist opposite the thumb. The ulna is one of two bones of the forearm. Wrist pain may vary, depending on the cause. Ulnar wrist pain can be related to many different types of injuries, including problems with the bones, tendons, and ligaments.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ulnar wrist pain may include:

  • Pain that gets worse when you hold something, or turning the wrist.
  • Loss of strength when it comes to grip firmly.
  • Difficulty moving the wrist or rotating the forearm.
  • A popping or clicking sound when you move your wrist.

Causes

Due to the many factors that can lead to wrist pain, it can be difficult to diagnose. The common causes of ulnar wrist pain include:

  • Sudden impacts. A common cause of wrist injury is a fall on the outstretched hand. This can cause sprains, strains and even fractures.
  • Repetitive stress. Any activity that involves the movement of the wrist makes you more and more can inflame the tissues around the joint or cause stress fractures. The risk of injury is increased when performing the movement for hours and hours without a break.
  • Arthritis. This can cause swelling and stiffness in the wrist. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain in the wrist.

Risk factors

Sports participation, repetitive work, and certain diseases and conditions that can put you at risk for ulnar wrist pain.

  • Sports participation. Wrist injuries are common in many sports, both those that involve the impact and those that put repetitive stress on the wrist. These can include football, golf, tennis, and pickleball.
  • The repetitive work. People who regularly use a computer mouse or keyboard are at risk. Carpenters and plumbers can develop ulnar wrist pain due to often use of tools in small spaces, causing the uncomfortable position of the wrist.
  • Other diseases and conditions. People usually loose ligaments, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout are also at risk.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the underlying cause of ulnar wrist pain, your healthcare provider may do a physical exam. The exam consists of moving the hand or the wrist in different positions to see what hurts. The test also checks your range of motion and grip strength.

Imaging tests may be necessary, including:

  • X-ray. This is the most commonly used test of pain in the wrist. The use of a small amount of radiation, X-rays can reveal bone fractures or signs of osteoarthritis.
  • CT. This analysis can provide more detailed views of the bones of the wrist and you can detect fractures that do not appear on x-rays.
  • The magnetic resonance imaging. This test uses radio waves and a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed images of the bones and soft tissues. To a wrist magnetic resonance , you may be able to insert their arm into a smaller device in place of a whole-body mri machine.
  • Ultrasound. This simple, non-invasive test can help to examine the tendons, ligaments, and cysts.

Treatment

Treatment for ulnar wrist pain may vary depending on the type of injury and its severity.

Medications

The pain relivers can buy without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), can help reduce the pain of the wrist. Stronger pain relievers are available with a prescription.

Physical therapy

Exercise therapy can help to strengthen the tendons and ligaments. A physical therapist also can help teach you ways to change the activities to relieve stress on the wrist.

Sometimes, the wrist is immobilized using a cast, brace or splint to allow the injury to heal.

Surgery

The treatment for some types of ulnar wrist pain can include surgery. Minimally invasive surgical methods can be used, and you can speed up the recovery. In minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use a variety of methods to operate with less damage to the body than with open surgery. This can mean less pain, shorter hospital stay and fewer complications.

Preparing for your appointment

You can start by seeing your primary healthcare professional. Or you may be referred immediately to a specialist in orthopaedics and sports medicine.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do beforehand. Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms , including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
  • Key personal information , including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking, including the dosage.
  • Questions to ask your health care team.

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you.

For ulnar wrist pain, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • Other that the most likely cause, what are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask several questions, such as:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

Avoid doing anything that seems to worsen your signs and symptoms.

Symptoms and treatment of Ulnar wrist pain