Wrist Pain Treatment in New Jersey

Wrist pain can make it hard to do everyday things such as working or playing sports. At RWJBarnabas Health, we treat a variety of wrist problems, from sudden injuries like sprains or breaks to ongoing issues like carpal tunnel syndrome. Our Orthopedics division provides customized care, delivering precise diagnoses and comprehensive treatment plans. We ensure your condition is addressed with the utmost expertise so you can return to doing what you love.

What Is Wrist Pain?

illustration of wrist painWrist pain is discomfort or pain that you feel in your wrist, which is the area connecting your hand to your forearm. This pain can come from a variety of causes. Most of the time, pain in the wrist is mild and will go away on its own with rest and at-home treatment. Visit your health care provider if you are experiencing wrist pain that doesn’t go away in a few days or if the pain worsens.

Types of Wrist Pain We Treat

Wrist pain can come from a variety of causes, including:

  • Injuries. These can be sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments), fractures (broken bones), or strains (stretching or tearing of muscles and tendons).
  • Repetitive stress. Repeating the same motions can irritate the wrist tissues, leading to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, where the nerve that travels through the wrist is pinched.
  • Arthritis. A condition that causes swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Osteoarthritis is due to wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints.
  • Ganglion cysts. These soft, fluid-filled cysts can develop on the wrist and may cause pain or discomfort.
  • Gout. This is a type of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, sometimes affecting the wrist.

Understanding the specific cause of wrist pain is crucial for appropriate treatment. If you're experiencing persistent or severe wrist pain, it's essential to seek medical advice to get a proper diagnosis and management plan.

What Causes Wrist Pain?

Wrist pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Here's a closer look at some common causes:

  • Age. Aging can lead to degeneration of joint cartilage and decreased muscle strength, increasing susceptibility to wrist pain.
  • Sports participation. Wrist injuries are common in many sports, both those that involve impact and those that involve repetitive stress on the wrist. These include football, bowling, golf, gymnastics, snowboarding and tennis.
  • Improper training. Inadequate warm-up or incorrect technique during physical activity can lead to joint stress and injury.
  • Repetitive work. Almost any activity that involves your hands and wrists, if performed forcefully and often enough, can lead to wrist pain.
  • Certain diseases. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can cause wrist joint pain, inflammation, and structural damage.

Wrist Pain Symptoms

Symptoms of pain in wrist can vary depending on the underlying cause but often include one or more of the following:

  • Pain. This can range from a dull, constant ache to sharp, intense pain when the wrist is used in specific ways. The nature of the pain (sharp, dull, throbbing) can help doctors diagnose the cause.
  • Swelling. This is a common response to wrist injuries such as sprains, fractures and arthritis.
  • Stiffness. Difficulty moving the wrist or decreased range of motion may occur, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, often associated with arthritis.
  • Numbness or tingling. These sensations, especially in the thumb, index and middle fingers, can indicate nerve compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Weakness. You might experience a loss of strength in your wrist and hand, making it difficult to hold objects or perform tasks that require gripping or pinching.
  • Clicking or popping sounds. These sounds can occur during wrist movement and might indicate a ligament or cartilage injury or a problem with the bones in the wrist.

The presence and severity of these symptoms can help your health care professional determine the cause of wrist pain.

Wrist Pain Diagnosis

Health care professionals use a combination of methods to diagnose wrist pain, aiming to identify the underlying cause of the symptoms.

  • X-ray. These are often the first imaging tests ordered to look for fractures, signs of osteoarthritis or changes in the alignment of the wrist bones.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and nerves, and helps diagnose ligament injuries, tendonitis and other soft tissue conditions.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan can provide more detailed images of the bones and is used when X-rays do not give enough information or for complex fractures.
  • Ultrasound. This imaging test can visualize soft tissue structures in the wrist and is particularly useful for evaluating tendon problems or guiding injections.

Based on the findings from these diagnostic steps, the doctor can determine the cause of the wrist pain and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Wrist Pain Treatment in New Jersey

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

Our health care professionals prioritize nonsurgical treatments for wrist pain, including:

  • RICE technique. Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) are recommended.
  • Immobilization. Use splints or braces.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications. These alleviate pain and swelling.

Wrist Surgery

We provide ergonomic adjustments to lessen wrist strain for patients experiencing discomfort due to repetitive motions. However, when these methods are not sufficient, our orthopedic team is equipped to perform both open and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.

During wrist arthroscopy, a tiny camera is inserted into the wrist joint to visualize the Inside of the joint directly, repairing or debriding tissue as needed. Open procedures may be required to resolve issues such as various bone fractures and carpal tunnel syndrome.

To foster healing and recovery, we also embrace innovative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and other regenerative medicine techniques.

Recovery from Wrist Pain Treatment

Once we've identified the source of your wrist pain, our focus shifts to personalized treatment. We may recommend a visit to a hand specialist who can help determine next steps, or we may recommend orthopedic rehabilitation.

Our orthopedic rehab experts can design a physical therapy program for you consisting of targeted exercises designed to strengthen the wrist, enhance flexibility and improve overall function.

Recovery times can vary significantly depending on the nature and severity of the condition. While minor issues may improve within weeks, more severe injuries — particularly those requiring surgical intervention — may require several months of dedicated rehabilitation. To accommodate this, our rehabilitation programs are crafted to ensure the best possible outcomes, aiming for a rapid and effective return to your normal activities.

Expert Care for Wrist Pain

If you're dealing with wrist pain in New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health is here for you. As the state's largest academic health care system, we offer award-winning services and a team of highly skilled, board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Our facilities are equipped with the latest technology, essential for accurately diagnosing and effectively treating wrist conditions.

Don't ignore the signs of wrist pain. Prompt attention from our orthopedic specialists or hand surgeons can prevent further issues, speed recovery, and help you return to your daily activities without discomfort. Trust RWJBarnabas Health for comprehensive, top-tier care for your wrist pain.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Patient Stories

  • “You never want to put your child through surgery, but we realized this was the best time in the best place with the best surgeon. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

    Meredith
    Read More
  • “The care was superb.”

    Dwight
    Read More
  • “I can do everything I want to do—even on the dance floor, This hip surgery is the best thing that ever happened to me. I’d recommend Dr. Yoon to anyone.”

    Robert
    Read More

Patient Stories

  • Watch Testimonial
  • Watch Testimonial
  • Watch Testimonial
RWJ Rehabilitation at Delaware Valley
123 Franklin Corner Rd.
Suite 103
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 896-9054
View
Medical Specialty Services at Bayonne
16 East 29th Street
Bayonne, NJ 07002
(973) 926-7280
View
Cristie Kerr Women's Health Center
377 Jersey Avenue
Ground Floor, Medical Office Building
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(877) 393-5374
View
RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
200 South Orange Avenue
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-7000
View
Community Medical Center’s Comprehensive Breast Center
368 Lakehurst Rd
1st Floor, Suite 102
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 557-3363
View
RWJPE Sports Medicine New Jersey
186 County Road 520
Suite 3
Morganville, NJ 07751
(732) 946-2100
View
RWJ Balance & Hearing Center
2 Hamilton Health Place
Hamilton Township, NJ 08690
(609) 245-7390
View
The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at Howell
4013 Route 9
Suite 2S
Howell, NJ 07731
(732) 923-7700
View
The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at Colts Neck
310 Route 34 South
Second Floor
Colts Neck, NJ 07722
(732) 923-7700
View
RWJ Sports Physical Therapy at Bridgewater
1 Patriots Park
TD Bank Park
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 203-5972
View
RWJ Sports Physical Therapy at Flemington
295 State Highway 31/202
Flemington, NJ 08822
(908) 806-2000
View
Care Connection at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
865 Stone Street
4th floor
Rahway, NJ 07065
(732) 499-6460
View
RWJ Sports Physical Therapy at Hillsborough
1 Jill Court
Building 16 Suite 20
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
(908) 359-8800
View
RWJ Sports Physical Therapy at Princeton
743 Alexander Road
Suite 2
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 419-0455
View
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation at the JCC MetroWest
760 Northfield Avenue, Suite 210A
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 325-9100
View
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
94 Old Short Hills Road
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-5000
View
Monmouth Medical Center
300 Second Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 222-5200
View
Clara Maass Medical Center
1 Clara Maass Drive
Belleville, NJ 07109
(973) 450-2000
View
Community Medical Center
99 Highway 37 West
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 557-8000
View
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
View
Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
View
Jersey City Medical Center
355 Grand Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 915-2000
View
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at RWJUH
200 Somerset Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 828-3000
View
RWJ University Hospital Rahway
865 Stone Street
Rahway, NJ 07065
(732) 381-4200
View
RWJBarnabas Health at Exchange Place
95 Greene Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 499-8720
View
RWJ University Hospital Somerset
110 Rehill Avenue
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 685-2200
View
Trinitas Regional Medical Center – Williamson Street Campus
225 Williamson St
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
(908) 994-5000
View
The Unterberg Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center
300 2nd Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-7250
View
Children's Specialized Hospital Outpatient Center – East Brunswick
645 State Route 18
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
(888) 244-5373
View
RWJ Physical Therapy at Carteret
60 Cooke Avenue
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 969-8030
View
RWJ Physical Therapy at Scotch Plains
2120 Lamberts Mill Road
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
(908) 389-5400
View
Jersey City Medical Center's Ambulatory Care Center
395 Grand Street
Jersey City, NJ 07304
(201) 915-2410
View
RWJ University Hospital Hamilton
1 Hamilton Health Place
Hamilton, NJ 08690
(609) 586-7900
View
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
1 Robert Wood Johnson Place
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 828-3000
View
Jersey City Medical Center Women's Health at Grove Street
116 Newark Avenue
(at Grove Street PATH Plaza)
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 984-1270
View
RWJ Hamilton Diagnostic & Treatment Center
1 Sheffield Drive
Suite 202
Columbus, NJ 08022
(609) 584-6640
View
RWJ Rehabilitation - Columbus
1 Sheffield Drive
Columbus, NJ 08022
(609) 227-4592
View
Jersey City Medical Center Outpatient Services at Colony Plaza
414 Grand Street
Suite 14
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 616-0470
View
Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
600 River Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 363-1900
View
RWJ Rehabilitation - Hamilton
3100 Quakerbridge Road
Hamilton, NJ 08619
(609) 584-6640
View
Children's Specialized Hospital Outpatient Center – Egg Harbor Township
6106 Black Horse Pike
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
(609) 645-7779
View
Children's Specialized Hospital Outpatient Center – Clifton
1135 Broad Street
Clifton, NJ 07013
(973) 365-3071
View
Trinitas Children's Therapy Services
899 Mountain Ave
Suite 1-A
Springfield, NJ 07081
(973) 218-6394
View
The Family Health Center (FHC) at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
166 Lyons Avenue
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
View
RWJ Physical Therapy at New Brunswick
100 Kirkpatrick Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 545-0494
View
The Center for Ambulatory Surgery
1450 Route 22 West
Mountainside, NJ 07092
(888) 590-6849
View
Short Hills Surgery Center
187 Millburn Avenue
Suite 102
Milburn, NJ 07041
(973) 671-0555
View
Hudson Crossing Surgery Center
2 Executive Drive
Suite 102
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
(201) 470-6977
View
RWJ Rehabilitation Lawrenceville
4152 Quakerbridge Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 245-7420
View
Cancer Center at RWJ Hamilton
2575 Klockner Road
Hamilton Township, NJ 08690
(609) 631-6960
View
Children's Specialized Hospital Outpatient Center – Union
2840 Morris Avenue
Kenneth Esdale Pavilion
Union, NJ 07083
(888) 244-5373
View
Jersey City Medical Center Rehabilitation Services
100 Town Square Place
Suite 208
Jersey City, NJ 07310
(201) 915-2000
View

Orthopedics Treatment & Care

offered at these locations in your neighborhood

View All Locations