Hand and Wrist Pain: Common Injuries, Causes, and Sports-Related Conditions

2026年2月3日 2026年2月3日

あきと

Hand and wrist pain are common both in sports settings and daily life.

Sports that involve gripping equipment, such as racket sports, or supporting body weight with the hands, such as gymnastics, place a particularly high load on the hands and wrists.

In sports, acute injuries such as scaphoid fractures and distal radius fractures can occur, while TFCC injuries and tendon disorders often develop as chronic conditions.

Even outside of sports, many people experience conditions such as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis or trigger finger in their daily lives.

In this article, we organize the common causes of hand and wrist pain, covering both acute injuries and chronic conditions.

Akito

Because the hands are used constantly in everyday activities, improper use can easily lead to prolonged pain.

1 List of Hand and Wrist Conditions (Alphabetical)
2 Acute Injuries – Sudden Onset of Pain
3 Chronic Conditions – Gradual Onset of Pain
4 Summary

List of Hand and Wrist Conditions (Alphabetical)

Kienböck’s Disease (Avascular Necrosis of the Lunate)
Guyon’s Canal Syndrome (Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome)
Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU) Tendinitis / Tenosynovitis
Finger Sprain (Jammed Finger)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Scaphoid Fracture
Distal Radius Fracture (Colles’ / Smith’s Fracture)
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Trigger Finger
Boxer’s Fracture (Metacarpal Neck Fracture)
Thumb CMC Joint Osteoarthritis
Hook of Hamate Fracture
TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) Injury

Acute Injuries
– Sudden Onset of Pain

This section covers injuries in which pain appeared immediately after a specific incident.

1. Jammed Finger
A general term for finger injuries caused by direct impact with a ball or object. Pain is typically felt when moving the finger joint. Although often considered minor, fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries, or tendon damage may also be present.
2. Scaphoid Fracture
A fracture of the scaphoid bone at the base of the wrist, commonly caused by falling onto an outstretched hand. Pain with wrist movement and tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox are characteristic. Because this fracture is easy to miss, proper X-ray evaluation at a medical facility is essential.
3. Distal Radius Fracture (Colles’ / Smith’s Fracture)
A fracture of the distal end of the radius caused by a fall onto the hand. Dorsal displacement is referred to as a Colles’ fracture, while palmar displacement is known as a Smith’s fracture. Severe deformity or difficulty achieving reduction may require surgical treatment.
4. Boxer’s Fracture (Metacarpal Neck Fracture)
A fracture of the metacarpal bones caused by punching with a clenched fist. It most commonly affects the fourth and fifth metacarpals but can also occur in the second and third.
5. Hook of Hamate Fracture
A fracture of the hook of the hamate bone caused by strong grip forces, falls, or direct impact such as from a bat, racket, or motorcycle handle. Pain is typically felt on the palm side at the base of the little finger when gripping or moving the wrist.
6. TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) Injury
An injury to the TFCC structure on the ulnar side of the wrist, often caused by falling onto the hand. Pain occurs during twisting motions such as turning a doorknob or wringing a towel.

Akito

Wrist pain after a fall often involves fractures. Early medical evaluation is strongly recommended.

Chronic Conditions
– Gradual Onset of Pain

This section focuses on injuries and conditions that gradually worsen over time.

1. Kienböck’s Disease
A rare condition in which the lunate bone loses blood supply and collapses. The exact cause is unclear, but it may occur in individuals who heavily use their wrists. Symptoms include pain and swelling during wrist movement.
2. Guyon’s Canal Syndrome
Compression of the ulnar nerve within Guyon’s canal at the base of the palm. Common in athletes and musicians who frequently use their wrists. Symptoms include numbness, pain, and stiffness in the ring and little fingers.
3. Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU) Tendinitis / Tenosynovitis / Subluxation
Inflammation or instability of the ECU tendon on the ulnar side of the wrist. Common in sports such as tennis. Pain occurs during wrist movement or forceful gripping.
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Common in athletes and musicians with repetitive wrist use. Symptoms include numbness, pain, and stiffness from the thumb to the radial side of the ring finger.
5. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Inflammation of the tendon sheath on the thumb side of the wrist. One of the most common forms of tenosynovitis. Pain occurs with thumb movement, wrist motion, and gripping activities.
6. Trigger Finger
Inflammation of the flexor tendon on the palm side of the finger, causing catching or locking during movement. Common in middle-aged women and associated with swelling, pain, and finger stiffness.
7. Thumb CMC Joint Osteoarthritis
Degeneration and inflammation of the thumb base joint. Common in postmenopausal women and individuals with repetitive hand use. Pain occurs during pinching, gripping, and opening jars.
8. Hook of Hamate Stress Fracture
A stress fracture caused by repetitive gripping in sports such as baseball, tennis, and golf. Pain is felt at the base of the little finger during gripping. Surgical treatment may be considered for early return to sport.
9. TFCC Injury
Caused by repetitive gripping and rotational stress, commonly seen in sports such as tennis and baseball. Pain occurs during twisting motions of the wrist.