If you have pain in your wrist, your treatment will depend on the cause. Sometimes, the cause of wrist pain will be obvious, such as when you have broken or sprained your wrist. In other cases, the pain and inflammation may stem from arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or an unnoticed injury from repetitive motion. If you experience wrist pain that lasts more than a few days, see your doctor.
Rest
If you have injured your wrist or are suffering from pain stemming from repetitive motion, such as with carpal tunnel syndrome, rest may help to alleviate some of your pain. You may need to wear your wrist in a cast or splint to compress your wrist and minimize motion until the injury heals. Try applying ice and elevating your injured wrist as well. MedlinePlus recommends taking frequent breaks while typing or performing other repetitive motions, taking care to rest your hands on their sides and not on the wrists themselves. Using an ergonomic mouse and keyboard may allow your hands to rest in their proper position and minimize pain.
Medication
If your pain is acute, over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may relieve it temporarily. Read the warnings carefully to avoid an overdose and so that you are aware of any potential side effects and contraindications. If pain is severe or persistent, your doctor may be able to prescribe more potent pain relievers. In some cases, explains Mayoclinic.com, you may benefit from a shot of a corticosteroid injected into your wrist to reduce pain and inflammation.
Exercises
After a wrist injury or if you have noninfectious arthritis, your doctor may advise that you see a physical therapist who can teach you how to do exercises to strengthen your wrist, improve flexibility and relieve your pain. MedlinePlus recommends exercising after a warm bath or shower so your wrist is more flexible and avoiding exercise when your wrist is especially painful or inflamed.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve your pain. Mayoclinic.com states that surgery may be warranted after you break a bone in your wrist, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or if ligaments or tendons have ruptured and require repair. Talk to your doctor to see if surgery is right for you.
