What Is Wrist & Elbow Pain?
Wrist and elbow pain can develop after an injury or gradually with repeated gripping, lifting and weight-bearing through the hands.
You may notice pain during computer work, bench press, golf or racquet sports. We assess the painful area first, then examine relevant joint movement, muscle strength and activity demands to guide care.
Where You Feel Wrist & Elbow Pain — and What It May Be Linked To
Outer Side of the Elbow
Pain may occur when gripping, lifting a kettle or using a racquet. We assess the forearm tendons, elbow and wrist movement, and your tolerance for gripping.
Inner Side of the Elbow
Pain may appear during golf, pulling exercises or repeated wrist movements. We assess the local tendons and check for nerve symptoms such as tingling into the fingers.
Thumb Side of the Wrist
Pain may occur when lifting, pinching or moving your thumb. We assess the thumb and wrist tendons and joints, including whether symptoms followed a fall.
Little-Finger Side or Back of the Wrist
Pain may occur during pushing, gripping or rotating the forearm. We assess the wrist joints and surrounding tissues to identify painful or restricted movements.
What Can Contribute to Wrist & Elbow Pain?
Symptoms can involve tendons, joints, ligaments or nerves. Assessment helps identify the affected area and the activities contributing to irritation.
Repeated Gripping & Loading
Muscle & Tendon Conditions
Joint & Ligament Injuries
Nerve Irritation
Repeated tool use, heavier training or increased golf and racquet practice can exceed your current tolerance. We review grip demands, activity volume and recovery.
Forearm tendons can become painful during gripping, wrist movement or lifting. We assess strength and load tolerance to guide exercise selection.
Falls, sudden twisting or impact can injure wrist or elbow structures. Persistent pain after an injury may require imaging or medical assessment.
Nerve irritation can cause tingling, numbness or weakness in the hand. We assess the symptom pattern and relevant areas along the arm and neck.
Wrist & Elbow Movement Assessment
Understanding Your Wrist & Elbow Movement
We review your symptoms and screen for conditions requiring medical attention before assessing the painful area and relevant tasks.
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Explain the findings and plan suitable treatment, exercise and activity adjustments. Discuss referral when further investigation is needed.
Your Symptoms & History
Review the onset, previous injuries and activities that bring on pain. We also ask about tingling, numbness and changes in grip strength.
Wrist & Elbow Mobility
Assess wrist movement, elbow bending and straightening, and forearm rotation to identify restriction and reproduce relevant symptoms.
Grip Strength & Tissue Assessment
Assess gripping and relevant muscle, tendon, ligament or nerve tests according to your symptoms.
Shoulder & Functional Movement
Where relevant, examine shoulder and neck movement alongside tasks such as lifting, pushing or swinging.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment Based on What We Find
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PAIN WHEN TURNING A HANDLE OR OPENING A JAR
WHEN TO GET ASSESSED
Common Symptoms of Wrist & Elbow Pain
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PAIN WHEN GRIPPING OR CARRYING
Persistent, recurring or worsening wrist and elbow symptoms should be assessed. Appropriate care depends on your symptoms, clinical findings and underlying condition.
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ELBOW PAIN DURING GOLF OR RACQUET SPORTS
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STIFFNESS WHEN MOVING THE WRIST OR ELBOW
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WRIST PAIN DURING PUSH-UPS OR PRESSING
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TINGLING OR NUMBNESS INTO THE HAND
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DISCOMFORT WITH REPETITIVE HAND USE
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WEAKNESS OR DROPPING OBJECTS
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain after injury, an obvious deformity, major swelling or an inability to use the arm or hand. A cold, pale or blue hand, sudden loss of sensation or rapidly worsening weakness also requires urgent assessment. A hot, swollen joint with fever needs urgent medical review. Persistent wrist pain after a fall, particularly near the base of the thumb, should be assessed promptly.
