Wrist pain

Your doctor will perform a physical examination, which may include an examination of the wrists and hands, and ask questions such as the following:

When did the wrist pain begin?
Did it occur suddenly and severely or gradually and mildly?
Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?
Is the pain worse in the morning or at night?
Does it go away without self care?
Is the pain sharp, throbbing, or burning? Is there numbness or tingling in any of your fingers?
Where exactly is the pain? Is it in both wrists? Does it extend into the fingers?
Does the pain occur only with certain movements or positions?
Does the pain prevent normal use of the wrist, hand, or arm?
Is the pain worse with movement?
What helps it? Is it better with immobilization to prevent movement? Does splinting the wrist or applying heat help?
Do any medications help?
Is there joint pain elsewhere?
Is there pain elsewhere, such as the neck?
What medications are you taking?
Have you had any recent injuries or illnesses?
Are you involved in activities requiring repetitious hand and wrist movements, such as sewing, knitting, computer keyboard use?

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Diagnostic tests that may be performed include an x-ray. If your doctor suspects that you have an infection, gout, or pseudogout, he or she may draw fluid from from the joint to examine under a microscope.

Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. Injection with a steroid medication may be performed. Surgery or medications may be needed to treat some conditions.

Prevention:

To prevent carpal tunnel syndrome:

Adjust your keyboard so that you do not have to bend your wrist upward while typing.
Take frequent breaks from activities that require wrist movement.
Work with an occupational therapist.

To prevent gout attacks:

Limit alcohol.
Lose weight if you are overweight.
Drink plenty of water.
Reduce the amount of liver, anchovies, sardines, and herring that you eat.
Medications may be prescribed by your doctor.

Losing weight also can help prevent osteoarthritis.

References:

Viera AJ. Management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2003; 68(2): 265-272.

Padua L. Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy: Multiperspective follow-up of untreated cases. Neurology. 2002; 59(10): 1643-1646.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). AAOS clinical guideline on wrist pain - phase I. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 2002.