Wrist pain when bending the wrist or putting pressure on it is often related to strain, a sprain, tendon irritation, arthritis, a ganglion cyst, or irritation of structures on the thumb or pinky side of the wrist. It can also happen after a fall, repetitive use, gripping, twisting, or activities that load the wrist.
The pain may come from tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bones, or nerves. Pain that gets worse when leaning on the hand, lifting, typing, using tools, or playing sports can suggest that the wrist is being overloaded or that an injury has not fully healed.
Resting the wrist, avoiding painful movements, and using a brace may help mild pain. Ice can also be used after activity or after a recent injury. However, pain that is severe, follows a fall, causes swelling or deformity, or makes it hard to move the wrist should be checked promptly.
You should also seek medical care if the pain lasts more than 1 to 2 weeks, keeps coming back, or comes with numbness, tingling, weakness, fever, or redness. Avoid self-medicating, especially with repeated pain relievers. A primary care doctor, orthopedist, or hand specialist can examine the wrist and decide whether imaging or treatment is needed.