Wrist Injuries
Wrist injuries can happen anytime—after a fall, during sports, or from repetitive work—and can make routine tasks like typing and driving surprisingly difficult. At his practice in New Port Richey, Florida, John B. Fuller, MD provides comprehensive care for wrist injuries with a conservative, minimally invasive approach designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and promote healing. Call the office today to schedule wrist injury treatment, or book your appointment online.
What are wrist injuries?
Wrist injuries affect the bones and/or soft tissues in the wrist—one of the most important joints connecting the forearm to the hand. Each wrist contains eight small bones plus tendons, ligaments, and nerves that work together to allow a full range of motion. Wrist injuries can occur in anyone, but are especially common in athletes and people who repeatedly use their hands for work or recreation.
What are some common wrist injuries?
Dr. Fuller treats a wide range of wrist injuries—from mild sprains to complex structural problems. Many improve with conservative care, but ongoing symptoms deserve an accurate diagnosis.
Sprains & strains
Ligament or muscle/tendon injury, often after a fall or sudden twist.
Tendinitis
Pain with motion from repetitive use at work, sports, or daily activities.
Arthritis
Stiffness and soreness from degenerative or inflammatory joint changes.
Broken wrist (fracture)
Often after a fall onto an outstretched hand—needs imaging and a clear plan.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Median nerve compression causing numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Ganglion cysts
Fluid-filled lumps near joints that can cause pressure and discomfort.
Sports injuries
Impact or overload injuries that can involve cartilage, ligaments, or tendons.
Bone dislocation
Joint misalignment that may require reduction and stabilization.
How does an orthopaedic surgeon diagnose wrist injuries?
Dr. Fuller reviews your medical history and symptoms, including how the injury occurred, where pain is located, and what activities worsen it. A focused exam evaluates swelling, bruising, tenderness, strength, and range of motion. Imaging may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
History & mechanism
What happened, where it hurts, what triggers symptoms, and how function is affected.
Focused exam
Swelling/bruising, range of motion, strength, stability, and pinpoint tenderness testing.
Imaging when needed
X-rays or ultrasound to evaluate bones, joint alignment, and surrounding soft tissues.
How does an orthopaedic surgeon treat wrist injuries?
Dr. Fuller treats wrist injuries using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. Some injuries improve with rest and protection, while others benefit from injections, therapy, or procedures to restore stability and function.
Reduce inflammation & protect healing
- Ice and rest
- Over-the-counter pain medication guidance
- Corticosteroid injections when appropriate
- Cast or splint support
- Physical therapy to restore strength and mobility
Restore structure & function
- Wrist arthroscopy
- Joint fusion surgery
- Nerve repairs
- Vascular repair of the hand and wrist
It may take two or more treatments to provide lasting relief, depending on the location and severity of your injury.
Can wrist injuries be prevented?
While not every injury is preventable, you can reduce risk by protecting the wrist during high-demand activities and responding early to pain.
Use protective support
If you play sports or use your hands at work, consider a brace or splint when appropriate.
Take breaks early
If your wrist hurts—stop, rest, and modify the activity instead of pushing through.
Build strength & technique
Good mechanics and gradual conditioning reduce strain during work, lifting, and sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrist injuries affect bones and/or soft tissues in the wrist, including tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, weakness, or numbness.
Common issues include sprains/strains, tendinitis, arthritis, fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, sports injuries, and dislocation.
Diagnosis includes history and exam of the wrist, hand, and forearm, looking for swelling, bruising, and tenderness and assessing strength and range of motion. Imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound may be used to confirm the cause.
Many wrist injuries improve with rest, ice, support (splint/cast), therapy, and medications. If symptoms persist, injections or advanced procedures such as arthroscopy, fusion, nerve repair, or vascular repair may be considered based on diagnosis.
Risk can be reduced by using protective equipment during high-demand activities, taking breaks when pain begins, and strengthening and improving technique for work or sport.
Clinical references
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Wrist sprains (overview and treatment). View source
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Carpal tunnel syndrome. View source
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Ganglion cyst of the wrist and hand. View source
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Distal radius fractures (broken wrist). View source
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment vary by patient.