Cymraeg
Wrist and hand pain is a common muscle joint and bone symptom.
Wrist and Hand Pain
Where is it felt?
Wrist and hand pain is a common muscle joint and bone symptom.
How could it affect me?
- The symptoms can be felt with simple day to day activities such as twisting or gripping tasks and putting weight through the wrist/hand
- Wrist and hand pain can affect our ability to carry out daily activities, including work and hobbies
- At times the pain can feel severe and for some be ongoing. This can affect our general well-being and mental health
Why does it happen?
Wrist and hand pain can start because of an injury (for example a fall onto the wrist and hand), from doing more than you normally do (for example increased activity or exercise) or it can also start for no obvious reason.
It can affect any of us at any age.
Is it serious?
Although the pain and disability caused by an episode or flare of wrist and hand pain can be severe at first, it is not always a sign of serious injury or damage.
However you will need to see your GP:
- If you notice swelling and severe pain into your finger joints
- If you are feeling unwell, sick or have a fever with wrist and hand pain
If you have had a recent fall or injury and you are unable to move the wrist and hand you need to be further assessed in a minor injuries department.
If you are feeling numbness and/or weakness into the hand make an appointment at your GP practice or consider seeking further help.
Will it get better?
The answer for most people is yes as most symptoms will ease in the first 2 to 6 weeks for a new onset of wrist and hand pain or a flare-up of longstanding wrist and hand pain. For some of us it can take longer to feel able to cope with more activities and to feel like we are getting back to normal.
Taking steps to look after your physical and mental health can give the best opportunity of a successful recovery.
What can I do to help myself?
Some of the most important things you can do to help your wrist or hand pain are related to your lifestyle choices and general health. We have provided some useful links to help guide you through.
The information in Step Two and Step Three explains the factors that can affect the severity and impact of muscle joint and bone symptoms.
Step Two explains the factors that may be contributing to your situation.
Step Three explains self-management advice on what you can do to help yourself.
Following the 3-step process will help you make the most out of the information on this website.
Learn more about:
Alongside the self-management advice in Step Three, some general exercises for wrist and hand pain can be helpful to support a gradual return to normal movement and function.
What can be done to help me?
An assessment of your problem and treatment may be necessary if the self-management advice in Step 3 does not help. Consider seeking further help.
If you continue to be concerned about the symptoms you are experiencing and are unsure what to do contact your GP practice or ring NHS Wales 111.
