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Wrist pain

There are several causes of wrist pain, and often you can ease the pain with some self-treatments, but if the pain doesn’t improve, kindly consult a doctor. 

Wrist pain self-treatments

The doctor might suggest: 

  • Rest the wrist whenever you can 
  • Place an ice pack on the wrist with a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2–3 hours
  • Keep moving your wrists and hands with gentle exercise to ease the stiffness and pain 
  • Consider painkillers (paracetamol) to ease pain 
  • Remove any jewelry if your wrist or hand is swollen
  • Avoid activities that cause more pain
  • Wear a splint to support the wrist, especially during nights
  • Use a soft pad while typing
  • Don’t take ibuprofen in the first 48 hours after injury
  • Don’t take hot baths or use heat packs for the first 3 days after injury
  • Don’t lift heavy objects or anything too tightly
Wrist pain self-treatments

Consult a doctor

  • If your wrist pain stops you from your daily activities
  • If the pain keeps coming back or gets worse 
  • If there is no improvement after self-treatments for two weeks
  • If you develop any tingling or loss of sensation in your wrist or hand 
  • If you have diabetes (hand-related problems can turn more severe if you have diabetes)
  • If you have a high temperature along with wrist pain 
  • If your wrist is warm, painful, still, and swollen

For personalized advice and support tailored to your health needs, consider our free doctor consultation service, where you can connect with experienced professionals ready to assist you.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022