Ulnar wrist pain

 

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Ulnar wrist pain

Overview

Ulnar wrist pain is pain on the side of your wrist opposite the thumb. This pain can vary, depending on the cause. It may worsen when you grip something or twist your wrist. Ulnar wrist pain can be hard to diagnose because it can be linked to many different types of injuries.

Causes

A common cause of ulnar wrist pain is a fall onto an outstretched hand. This can break bones in the wrist. Sports like tennis, golf, and football can sometimes bend the wrist back too far and this can damage tendons and ligaments. Carpenters and plumbers may develop ulnar wrist pain because they often must use tools in small spaces that require awkward positioning of the wrist.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the underlying cause of ulnar wrist pain, your doctor may move your wrist or hand into different positions to see what hurts. Imaging tests like CT and MRI scans also may be needed.

Treatment

Treatment for some types of ulnar wrist pain may include surgery. Minimally invasive techniques may be used and can speed recovery.