Several conditions can cause bilateral wrist pain or pain in both wrists. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, wrist pain can be caused by traumatic injuries, repetitive strain injuries in the workplace and such medical conditions as inflammatory joint diseases. In some cases, wrist pain occurs on only one side, while in other cases, wrist pain may occur in both wrists simultaneously. Wrist pain ranges from mild to severe, based on the cause of the pain.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, can cause bilateral wrist pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, osteoarthritis is a progressive disease in which articular cartilage---the slippery, bluish tissue covering the end of bones in the joints---wears away over time. Movement in joints without articular cartilage can alter the joint surface and cause pain. The AAOS states that osteoarthritis develops over many years and that it usually affects people who are middle-aged or older.
Common signs and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis include pain and inflammation in the affected joints, pain with vigorous activity, stiff joints, joints that appear swollen, a prominent bump overlying the involved joint and reduced joint active range of motion. According to the AAOS, early detection of osteoarthritis can slow its progression.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause bilateral wrist pain. MayoClinic.com states that the carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that's bound by bones and ligaments. The carpal tunnel, situated on the palm side of the wrist, is approximately the girth of a human thumb. Nine tendons, along with the median nerve, run through the tunnel on their way to the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes entrapped or compressed within the tunnel. The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is keyboarding, although other problems may cause carpal tunnel syndrome too.
Possible signs and symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include wrist pain that radiates into the hand and forearm, numbness and tingling in the hand, and hand muscle weakness. Individuals might first notice hand muscle weakness when they begin dropping objects that they would otherwise not have dropped.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma can cause pain in both wrists. According to the MedlinePlus website, scleroderma is a connective tissue disease that affects the skin, blood vessels, muscles and organs throughout the body. There is no known cause of scleroderma. The condition usually manifests in people between the ages of 30 and 50, and it more commonly affects women than men. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing scleroderma, such as exposure to silica dust and polyvinyl chloride. A person with scleroderma accumulates an excessive amount of collagen in her skin and organs, which leads to the symptoms that characterize the condition.
Common signs and symptoms associated with scleroderma include wrist pain; joint pain; foot numbness; pain, stiffness and swelling in the fingers; dyspnea, or shortness of breath; swallowing difficulties; tight skin on the face; and skin thickening and hardening.
