Can be classified into two groups:

1. Overuse injuries

Tendonitis/Tenosynovitis- can involve any tendon about the wrist; symptoms include pain with palpation of the tendons (tender to touch), pain with stretching or resisted movements of the tendons.

Common areas include: (many other forms of tendonitis exist please consult a physician for treatment of any of these disorders)

· De Quervains tenosynovitis- pain is reproduced by placing the thumb inside the other four fingers and moving the wrist toward the little finger (ulnar deviation)

· Scaphoid impingement syndrome- repetitive forced hyperextension of the wrist causes the scaphoid (small bone in the wrist) and the radius (forearm bone) bump into each other repeatedly. This is very common in weight lifting and gymnastics).

· Common extensor tenosynovitis- swelling over the dorsum (back of the hand) of the wrist and pain with resisted wrist extension.
· Carpal Tunnel syndrome- symptoms include numbness in the first three fingers and pain increased with wrist flexion.

Early Treatment: Should include cold packs/ice, relative rest (stop activities that cause pain), anti-inflammatory medications, gentle stretching.

As symptoms lessen progressive strengthening and conditioning with gradual return to sport.

2. Traumatic Injuries

In general, the greater the swelling the worse the injury; range of motion will be limited by pain, swelling or instability.

· Scaphoid fractures- (bone is located in the wrist near the base of the thumb)- these fractures make up 70% of wrist fractures. It is important to have the wrist assessed by an orthopedic specialist since it can be very slow to heal and may result in avascular necrosis (death of bone). Often placed in a long arm cast to limit rotation of the forearm. The scaphoid may take 6-24 weeks to heal.

· Triquetrum fracture- (bone is located in the wrist on the side of the little finger) these are the second most common wrist fracture. Often placed in a cast for 4-6 weeks.

· Lunate dislocation- (bone located in the middle of the wrist) very mobile and thus prone to dislocation. Symptoms will include swelling in the middle of the wrist, pain and limited movement. Orthopedic assessment is critical.

With traumatic injuries of the wrist it is very important to seek appropriate medical attention as bones may be slow to heal and further injury could be result from repeated trauma.