Wrist pain is classified according to its cause and duration:

1. Acute wrist pain:
   • Sudden onset pain, often caused by injuries or overuse.
2. Chronic wrist pain:
   • Pain lasting longer than three months, often due to degenerative or inflammatory conditions.
3. Load-dependent wrist pain:
   • Pain that occurs only during movement or exertion.

The causes of wrist pain are varied and include:

• Injuries:
  • Fractures: Bone fractures in the wrist area, often due to falls on the outstretched hand.
  • Ligament injuries: Sprains or tears of the ligaments, such as in the scapho-lunate ligament instability syndrome.
• Overuse:
  • Repeated movements, such as typing or crafting, can lead to tendonitis.
• Degenerative diseases:
  • Osteoarthritis of the wrist, often due to age-related cartilage wear or previous injuries.
• Inflammatory diseases:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or gout can lead to chronic inflammation and pain.
• Ganglia:
  • Fluid-filled cysts in the wrist area that exert pressure on nerves or tissue.
• Neurological causes:
  • The carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is irritated by pressure in the wrist area.

The symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of the pain:

• Localized pain:
  • Pain in specific areas, e.g., on the thumb side in cases of tendonitis.
• Movement restrictions:
  • Reduced mobility of the wrist, especially in inflammatory or degenerative causes.
• Swelling and redness:
  • Visible signs of inflammation or injury.
• Tingling or numbness:
  • Neurological symptoms, especially with compression of the median nerve.
• Clicking or cracking noises:
  • Mechanical problems, such as unstable ligaments or osteoarthritis, can cause these noises.

The diagnosis is based on a thorough medical history, clinical examination, and imaging techniques:

• Medical history:
  • The doctor inquires about the type, duration, and possible triggers of the pain.
• Clinical examination:
  • Checking mobility, tenderness, and neurological abnormalities.
• Imaging techniques:
  • X-ray: To detect fractures or osteoarthritis.
  • MRI: Visualization of soft tissues such as ligaments or tendons.
  • Ultrasound: Examination of inflammations or ganglia.

Conservative Therapy

In many cases, wrist pain can be treated without surgery:

• Pain medication:
  • Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Physiotherapy:
  • Exercises to improve mobility and strengthen muscles.
• Splints or bandages:
  • Immobilization of the wrist to promote healing.
• Injections:
  • Cortisone or hyaluronic acid to treat inflammation or pain.

Surgical Therapy

In cases of severe or chronic complaints, surgery may be necessary:

• Arthroscopy:
  • Minimally invasive techniques to remove inflamed tissue or ganglia.
• Reconstruction:
  • Restoration of damaged ligaments or joint structures.
• Carpal tunnel release:
  • Relief of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome.

To prevent wrist pain, the following measures are recommended:

1. Ergonomic workplace design: Use of wrist supports and correct working posture.
2. Regular breaks: Interrupt repetitive movements to avoid overstrain.
3. Strengthening exercises: Regular training of the hand and forearm muscles to stabilize the wrist.
4. Gentle handling: Avoid excessive strain or unfamiliar movements.
5. Early treatment: Immediate clarification of pain or swelling to prevent chronic complaints.