WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR WRIST PAIN?: HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING WEIGHS IN.

Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling

M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA

The best treatment for wrist pain depends on the cause. Some of the most common causes and their treatments include: • Minor injury, sprain, strain – rest, wearing a splint or brace, heat, over-the-counter pain relievers • Ganglion cyst - over-the-counter pain relievers; occasionally a drainage procedure or surgery may be recommended • Osteoarthritis - rest balanced with gentle exercises, wearing a splint or brace, pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medicine, cortisone injection; rarely, surgery • Rheumatoid arthritis – anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medicine, wearing a splint or brace, exercise; cortisone injection • Carpal tunnel syndrome - wearing a splint or brace at night or intermittently during the day; a cortisone injection; surgery For persistent symptoms, consultation with an occupational therapist can be helpful. For wrist pain accompanied by symptoms that might suggest a serious cause, prompt medical evaluation is warranted. Concerning symptoms include fever, marked swelling or severe pain after an injury.

→ Learn more about wrist pain: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.

2024-04-26T13:02:53Z dg43tfdfdgfd