Ulnar Wrist Pain

What is ulnar wrist pain?

Ulnar wrist pain is pain or discomfort in your wrist on the same side as your ulna (one of the bones in your forearm). It’s a specific type of wrist pain.

The ulnar side of your wrist is the side your pinkie finger is on. Some people call it outer wrist pain or pain on the outside of their wrist. Healthcare providers call it the ulnar side of your wrist because it’s a quick way to know exactly where the pain is, even if you’re turning your wrist over (the outside can change depending on how you position your wrist and hand).

Your wrist is a complex joint made of:

• Bones.
• Muscles.
• Tendons.
• Ligaments.
• Nerves.
• Blood vessels.

Lots of injuries and health conditions can cause ulnar wrist pain. You can usually manage it at home with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. But don’t ignore severe, sudden pain, especially if you know you experienced a wrist injury.

Visit a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing ulnar wrist pain that doesn’t go away in a few days, the pain is getting noticeably worse or if you can’t move or use your wrist.

What are common causes of ulnar wrist pain?

Injuries and health conditions that affect the bones and tissue in your wrist are the most common causes of ulnar wrist pain.

Injuries

Any physical damage to your wrist can cause pain. Some of the most common injuries that cause ulnar wrist pain include:

• Overuse and repetitive strain injuries.
• Wrist sprains.
• Sports injuries.
• Falls.
• Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears.
• Bone fractures.
• Nerve injuries or pinched nerves.

Health conditions

Many health conditions can cause ulnar wrist pain. They usually cause pain that gets worse over time (instead of happening all at once like a sprain or fracture). Some of the most common conditions that cause ulnar wrist pain include:

• Wrist arthritis.
• Ulna impaction syndrome (pain that happens when your ulna is longer than your radius).
• Ganglion cysts.
• Wrist tendinitis.
• Bursitis.
• Infections.
• Kienböck’s disease.

What is ulnar wrist pain treatment?

A healthcare provider will suggest treatments to help manage pain and any other symptoms you’re experiencing. Which treatments you’ll need depends on what’s causing the ulnar wrist pain.

Some of the most common treatments for ulnar wrist pain include:

• Rest: Taking a break from work, hobbies or sports that caused a wrist injury will give your wrist time to heal.
• Icing: Apply an ice pack or cold compress to your wrist for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel or washcloth to avoid applying it directly to your skin.
• Over-the-counter medication: NSAIDs — like naproxen or ibuprofen — relieve pain and reduce swelling.
• Corticosteroids: These are prescription anti-inflammatory medications.
• Ergonomic adjustments: Changing how you sit at your desk and/or tweaking your hand’s position during repetitive motions can reduce stress on your wrist.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist will give you exercises to increase your wrist’s strength and flexibility. You might also need occupational therapy to help you adjust to everyday tasks or chores.
• Immobilization: You might need to wear a splint, brace or cast to hold your wrist in place and take pressure off it while it heals.
• Surgery: You may need surgery to remove a growth, release nerve compression, repair tendon or ligament tears, fix fractures or treat arthritis. Wrist surgery can be open or arthroscopic.

Can I prevent ulnar wrist pain?

Follow these general safety tips to reduce your risk of a wrist injury:

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Wear the right protective equipment for all work, activities and sports.
• Make sure your home and workspace are free from clutter that could trip you or others.
• Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach things. Never stand on chairs, tables or countertops.
• Use a cane, walker or other assistive devices if you have difficulty walking or have an increased fall risk.

Using a computer or keyboard every day is a common cause of ulnar wrist pain. You can reduce stress on your wrists by:

• Lowering your keyboard so your wrists don’t bend upward when you type.
• Taking periodic breaks from typing to rest your hands.
• Using a wrist rest with your keyboard, mouse or trackpad.
• Alternating your “mouse hand” or training yourself to use a mouse with your non-dominant hand.

When should a healthcare provider treat ulnar wrist pain?

Visit a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any type of wrist pain that doesn’t get better in a few days, or if the pain gets worse over time. See a provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

• You can’t move your hand, wrist or fingers.
• Numbness or a feeling of pins and needles tingling in your ring finger, pinkie, wrist or forearm.
• Discoloration or swelling in your forearms, wrists, hands or fingers.
• Wrist pain that lasts more than two weeks after you’ve started treatments.

How long does it take for ulnar wrist pain to heal?

Ulnar wrist pain is usually temporary and gets better when you take a break from the activity that caused it. How long that will take depends on why your wrist hurts, if you experienced an injury or have a health condition.

Injuries may cause pain until they heal. Sprains usually last a few weeks, but it might take a few months for a broken wrist to heal completely.

Health conditions that cause ulnar wrist pain can be temporary issues or chronic (long-term) conditions. Ask your healthcare provider what to expect.