Wrist Injuries and Pain
Eight small bones known as carpals make up your wrists. These small bones support and protect a tube in your wrist that encases tendons and nerves. Because of the delicacy and intricacy of these bones and tubes, wrist injury is very common, usually from repetitive motions or injuries from falls. The scaphoid bone is one of the most tender bones and a leading cause of scaphoid sprains.
Depending on the type of injury, your wrist pain can vary greatly. Your pain might be dull and throbbing, sharp and intense, presenting gradually and worsening over time, or appearing suddenly. Careful communication with our doctor makes for the most effective wrist injury treatment plan.
Wrist Injuries NYC — SPIN Sports Pain Specialists
Ready to get relief from your wrist injury?
Same-day wrist injury appointments available.
Causes of Wrist Injuries and Pain
Because you use your hands so much, wrists are particularly susceptible to many different types of injury. Your wrist pain may be caused by:
- Sprains, which are tears in your ligaments
- Strains, which are tears in your tendons
- Tendonitis from overuse
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Gout or pseudo gout
- Dislocation
- Hand injury
- A fracture resulting in a misshapen joint
- Repetitive stress fractures
- Ganglion cyst
- Swelling due to a damaged joint capsule
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Scaphoid sprain
- Boxing wrist injury
- Golf wrist injury
Symptoms of an injury include pain, numbness, tingling, bruising and swelling. Gentle support and early treatment keep most injuries from leading to chronic conditions.
Risk Factors for Wrist Injury
While anyone can develop wrist issues, you may be at a higher risk if you participate in sports or other athletic pursuits or have repetitive motions in your jobs. Professional or regular golfing can lead to the need for treatment, something your doctor performs often. Boxing wrist injury treatment is another common service your sports medicine physician provides.
Elderly individuals or those with an unsteady gait can fall more frequently, putting wrists at risk. Pregnancy, obesity, diabetes, gout and rheumatoid arthritis cause swelling and pressure on the carpal bones and the enclosed tubing, weakening it and making it more susceptible to injury.
When to Seek a Doctor
A minor wrist tendon injury often heals with time and gentle support. Consult our best-rated doctor if any of the following occur:
Ready to find relief from your wrist injury?
Dr. Melepura's Midtown Manhattan clinic offers same-day appointments for evaluation and treatment.
Diagnosing Wrist Tendon Injury
Whether you're looking for golf or boxing wrist injury treatment, or relief from any other wrist pain, diagnosis starts the same way. Your doctor begins with a physical exam to check for swelling, nerve sensation, and pain levels. He checks for bruising and determines your range of motion. While taking a medical history, he also tests your grip and forearm strength.
Imaging tests can help your physician diagnose a tiny scaphoid sprain and hairline fractures. Direct arthrography evaluates joint conditions by injecting contrast material in either your bloodstream or into the affected joint. Nerve tests such as electromyograms may also be helpful.
Wrist Injury Treatment
Starting with the least invasive methods possible, your pain specialist tailors a golf wrist injury treatment plan to your individual needs. This can include any combination of the following:
Rest and activity modification
Ice for the first few days for 20 to 30 minutes every three to four hours
Heat after the first few days on the same schedule
Keeping your wrist elevated on pillows when sitting or lying down
Wrapping your wrist in an elastic bandage
A wrist brace or cast
Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium
Prescription pain medicines for short-term use
Steroid injections
Arthroscopic surgery
Open wrist surgery
Whether you have scaphoid sprains, tendonitis from golfing or a broken wrist bone from boxing, wrist injury treatment recovery time can range from a few weeks to a few months, especially for athletes. If you require surgery, some physical therapy will be included in your recovery as well.
Prevent Wrist Injuries
The best wrist injury treatment is prevention. Following a few guidelines helps support your wrist and prevent future injury:
- Take sufficient calcium for bone strength
- Work in a safe environment to prevent falls
- Use protective gear for athletic activities
- Pay close attention to ergonomics
Real Stories from our Patients
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD
Double Board-Certified Pain Specialist
Meet Dr. Febin Melepura — Your Wrist Injury Specialist in NYC
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD is a double board-certified interventional pain management specialist and the founder of the Sports Pain Institute of New York. He completed his residency and fellowship training at New York Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center, one of the nation's leading academic medical centers.
He holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine, and has treated more than 7,500 patients and performed over 5,250 procedures throughout his career. He has been named a Top Pain Management Doctor in New York and one of America's Top Doctors™ by Castle Connolly.
Dr. Melepura's approach to wrist injuries is rooted in precision: identify the exact source, treat it with a targeted injection, and get you back to your daily life as quickly as possible.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
Same-day appointments available. Call (212) 621-7746 or book online.
What Our Wrist Injury Patients Say
"Able to make an appointment to see Dr. Melepura on short notice… attentive to my concerns… Jazmin was also very kind and helpful."
"Excellent hospitality, listener and explainer… highly recommend the doctor and the place."
"Dr. Melepura is the best! He worked with me to find the optimal solution to my shoulder pain while I was preparing for a fight!"
"Lovely, bright and modern… doctor and staff were kind… felt my concerns were heard."
"Helpful and friendly staff who gladly follows up with you if and when needed. Dr Melepura was very helpful and professional as well as provided me with excellent information and feedback."
"Dr Febin is fantastic! Highly recommend him and his practice the Spin clinic. The doctor is a good listener, kind, attentive and gave me great advice. "
"Dr.Melepura was very efficient and interpersonal, felt like he was understanding the problems I was having and explained the processes to take to rehabilitate. I would recommend."
"I felt listened to and truly understood by Dr. Melepura. Started PT the very next day. They were very friendly and I didn't feel rushed at all. Already recommended them to my friends who have or continue to play through pain."