What are the causes of wrist pain?
Aside from accidental injuries, the main causes of wrist pain are arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, gout, and pseudo-gout. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of wrist pain. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when an important nerve – the median nerve – is compressed at the wrist because of swelling. Arthritis is another common cause of wrist pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are many types of arthritis: • Osteoarthritis occurs with age and overuse. • Rheumatoid arthritis generally affects both wrists. • Psoriatic arthritis accompanies psoriasis. Gout occurs when the body produces too much uric acid, which is a waste product. It forms crystals in joints, rather than being excreted in the urine. Pseudo-gout occurs when there are calcium deposits in the joints – usually the wrists or knees – causing pain, redness, and swelling.
