Wrist Pain

Overview

Wrist pain can interfere with work, exercise and everyday activities, from typing and lifting to sport and childcare.

At Nucellin Orthopedic Clinic in Hannam-dong, Seoul, Dr. Kim personally evaluates each patient and can conduct the consultation in English.

Diagnosis begins with your symptoms, physical examination and daily loading pattern. X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI findings are then interpreted in that clinical context.

This page explains which wrist conditions we commonly see, how they are assessed and which non-surgical treatments may be considered.

Common Wrist Conditions

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis and De Quervain's tenosynovitis
• Ligament injuries and sprains
• Ganglion cysts
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Post-fracture or post-surgery stiffness and pain

Symptoms

Wrist disorders can present in different ways. The location, timing and behaviour of symptoms provide important diagnostic information.

• Pain or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers, especially at night, may suggest carpal tunnel syndrome
• Pain on the thumb side of the wrist with gripping or lifting may suggest De Quervain's tenosynovitis
• Pain after a fall or twisting injury needs assessment of the ligaments and bones
• A visible lump on the back of the wrist is often a ganglion cyst
• Stiffness and aching after a period in a cast is common and usually improves with structured rehabilitation

Diagnosis

Diagnosis starts with your story and a hands-on examination, not with the scan.

• Examination of the wrist, hand and forearm, including provocative tests
• Point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound for tendon and soft-tissue problems
• X-ray or MRI when clinically indicated

The purpose is not simply to identify an abnormality on a scan. It is to determine whether that abnormality explains your pain and loss of function.

Treatment Options

Treatment is stepped. We start with the least invasive option that can plausibly change your symptoms.

• Activity and load modification, splinting where appropriate
• Regenerative physical therapy and a structured home exercise programme
• Ultrasound-guided injections where indicated
• Activated PRF therapy for tendon involvement
• Shockwave therapy for chronic tendon pain

When symptoms or findings suggest a condition that needs a surgical opinion, we say so and refer appropriately.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if wrist pain has lasted more than a few weeks despite sensible load changes, wakes you at night, or is accompanied by numbness, weakness or a visible deformity.

Seek urgent care after significant trauma, or if the wrist is hot, red and swollen with fever.

Information about insurance and payment is available on the Insurance & Payment page.

To arrange an evaluation, please contact the clinic.