Wrist pain upon bending can stem from several causes. It's often a symptom of a recent injury or a chronic condition.
Common Causes of Wrist Pain When Bending:
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Sprains or Fractures: Sudden injuries, like falls or impacts, can sprain wrist ligaments or fracture bones, causing significant pain when bending. This is especially true if the injury involved a forceful twisting or bending motion. [Reference: Wrist pain is often caused by sprains or fractures from sudden injuries.]
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Repetitive Strain Injuries: Repeated movements of the wrist, common in certain jobs or hobbies (e.g., typing, playing musical instruments), can lead to conditions like tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. These cause inflammation and pain, worsened by bending.
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Arthritis: Degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation and pain in the wrist joint, making bending painful.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist can cause numbness, tingling, and pain, particularly when bending the wrist.
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Other Potential Causes: Less common causes include ganglion cysts, tenosynovitis, and other inflammatory conditions.
What to Do if Your Wrist Hurts When Bending:
If your wrist pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms (swelling, numbness, etc.), seek medical attention immediately. A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Self-treating can delay proper care and potentially worsen the condition.
