A wrist stress fracture is uncommon but can significantly impact athletes and active people. These injuries occur when repetitive stress exceeds the bone's ability to repair itself, resulting in small cracks. This article looks at the types of wrist stress fractures, their causes and symptoms, how we diagnose them, and treatment options. Types of [...]
Scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal (STT) joint arthritis affects the tiny joint at the base of the wrist, just below the thumb. It's less common than other wrist conditions, but it can significantly affect hand and wrist function, particularly gripping and pinching. This article explains the presentation, investigation, and treatment options for STT joint arthritis. What is the [...]
Sporting people often complain of pain on the little finger (ulnar) side of the wrist. There are many causes of ulnar wrist pain, but one of the more common problems is an injury to the DRUJ — the distal radioulnar joint — including DRUJ arthritis. So how does a DRUJ injury present, and what [...]
The ECU (extensor carpi ulnaris) tendon is essential in stabilising the ulnar (little-finger) side of the wrist. It can be injured in active people and athletes, causing ECU tendonitis, a tear, or snapping. So what are the symptoms of ECU tendonitis, and how do we treat it? What is the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon? [...]
The wrist and hand are a collection of small bones and ligaments, each able to be damaged and cause pain. Wrist and hand pain has many possible causes — arthritis, tendonitis, and fractures among them. One way to approach it is to define the location of the pain, which gives clues to the cause. [...]
The hamate is one of the eight carpal bones of the wrist. Like any bone, the carpal bones can fracture from a fall or acute trauma. But the hamate is unusual — it has a triangular body and a bony projection called the hook, and that hook is particularly prone to fracture. So what [...]
Wrist pain and popping, or clicking, are common complaints. Wrist injuries with popping usually result from overuse during activity or sport, or from trauma after a fall. The wrist's anatomy is complex — many bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments — so many structures can be damaged. What causes wrist pain and popping, and how [...]
Numbness and pins and needles are common symptoms affecting the hands and fingers, particularly at night. Generally, these symptoms suggest nerve compression in some area. Sometimes, however, the cause can be different and potentially severe. For example, heart attacks and multiple sclerosis can also cause hand numbness. So, what causes pain and numbness in [...]
CrossFit is a high-intensity programme of functional exercises — running, gymnastics, weights, rowing, and plyometrics. So it's no surprise that the wrist takes a considerable beating during CrossFit. So what causes CrossFit wrist pain, and what should you do about it? Causes of CrossFit wrist pain The wrist joint (the radiocarpal joint) connects [...]
Arthritis in the wrist is a common cause of wrist pain as we age. The cartilage in the radiocarpal joint wears away — wrist osteoarthritis — leading to bone rubbing on bone. So what are the symptoms of wrist arthritis, and what should you do about it? What causes arthritis in the wrist? [...]
