The wrist is an intricate joint with many bones, cartilage and tendons connecting its many parts together. Pinky side (ulnar side) pain may indicate injury or inflammation to one or more structures within your wrist.
X-rays, CT or MRI scans can help identify a cyst or other structure putting pressure on a nerve and allow medical practitioners to implement the most appropriate treatment plan. Accurate diagnosis can save both time and money in treatment costs.
Ulnar Wrist Pain Treatment
Treatment for ulnar wrist pain varies depending on the cause and may involve activity modification, splinting, therapy, medications, or surgery. Common treatment options include:
- Use of anti-inflammatory medication or steroid injections to alleviate pain.
- Adjusting hand position during repetitive motions to reduce strain.
- Physical therapy to strengthen wrist tendons and ligaments.
- Resting the wrist through casting or splinting.
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques for faster recovery.
In order to determine the cause of ulnar wrist pain, the doctor will conduct a thorough examination. This includes assessing the location of the pain and evaluating the movement of your wrist. X-rays may be taken, and additional studies like CT scans or MRIs might be requested if necessary.
If you are experiencing ulnar wrist pain, it is important to reach out to your doctor for a discussion on the most suitable treatment options tailored to your needs.
Home Remedies
At home remedies can often provide the best remedy. A wrist brace or other conservative measures may help ease pain and swelling.
Ulnar wrist pain often appears on the pinkie side (opposite the thumb). This pain may result from injury, overuse or from chronic underlying conditions; common issues include injuries to the triangular fibro-cartilage complex (TFCC), tendonitis in either of its forms (extensor carpi ulnaris or flexor carpi ulnaris), nerve impaction syndromes or tendon impaction syndrome.
Most frequently, ulnar wrist pain is due to compression of the ulnar nerve. This entrapment may occur at two sites: within the elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome) or wrist (Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Neuropathy). When occurring at wrist level, symptoms often include ring and little finger numbness and/or pain in those fingers.
Exercises
After suffering a wrist problem, it’s vitally important to begin strengthening and moving wrists, hands and fingers as soon as possible in order to support tissue healing and restore normal movements and functions. Doing this may assist tissue regeneration while returning movement and function back to normal levels.
Pain on the ulnar side of your wrist (pinkie side) may result from injuries, repetitive overuse and long-term conditions like arthritis of the TFCC joint, injuries of distal radioulnar joint above wrist or irritation to extensor carpi ulnaris tendons (extensor carpi ulnaris).
This typically manifests itself in sharp pain at wrist side near thumb when moving towards little finger or turning palm up and down – something which usually worsens with movements towards little finger.
Guyon’s canal in the wrist can become compressed, leading to weakness, tingling or numbness in hand and fingers. A physical therapist may suggest wearing wrist splints that limit forces that might exacerbate an ulnar wrist tendon condition.
Medical Interventions
The wrist and hand are complex structures composed of bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage which can become injured or diseased over time. Aching on the pinky side (ulnar side) of the wrist (pinky side) may indicate many issues; its pain can range from sharp stabbing sensations to persistent dull acheiness.
Your doctor will use a series of examinations and tests to help identify the source of your discomfort and determine whether an injury or condition has contributed to it. They’ll check your wrist and arm for pain or weakness as well as areas that tingle.
Your doctor may order either a CT scan or an MRI to examine the structures in your wrist and hand, enabling them to identify fractures, osteoarthritis-like inflammation, damaged tendons and ligaments, compressed nerves or any abnormal growths that might exist. They can even inject radiopaque fluid to enhance visibility during these diagnostic tests.
Surgery
The wrist contains an intricate network of bones, ligaments, muscles and cartilage that support movement. On occasion, these structures can experience issues.
Ulnar wrist pain is most often felt on the little finger side and may be due to injury or irritation of structures like the Triangular Fibro-Cartilage Complex (TFCC), tendon structures (extensor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi ulnaris), or joints between ulna bone and radius at wrist (DRUJ).
If the ulnar nerve passes through a narrow space (cubital tunnel) behind the elbow, surgery may help relieve pressure on it to alleviate symptoms and alleviate symptoms.
This outpatient procedure under regional anesthesia may place soft splints on your wrists and prescribe pain medicines; after they wear off your doctor may give soft splints for your wrists and prescribe pain medicine; gradually start using them again as you heal; MRI/US may be performed to ensure no cyst or growths are pressing on them as part of this step if necessary.
What Are Some Exercises to Relieve Ulnar Wrist Pain
Relieve ulnar wrist pain with these exercises that strengthen tendons and ligaments:
- Table arm flexion: Extend wrist beyond table, bend upward, and lower. Repeat 6-8 times.
- Hand curl: Straight arm, curl wrist and fingers in, then extend. Repeat 10 times.
- Side to side: Move wrist gently from side to side. Do 2 sets of 15.
- Wrist stretch: Press back of injured hand with other hand, hold 15-30 seconds.
- Nerve flossing: Release ulnar nerve tension, slide in different directions for relief.
It is crucial to perform the exercises slowly and gently, ensuring no pain is experienced. If you are dealing with ulnar wrist pain, it is advisable to consult your doctor first, as they can guide you in selecting the most suitable exercises for your condition.
How Effective Are Steroid Injections for Treating Ulnar Wrist Pain
Steroid injections effectively treat ulnar wrist pain by reducing inflammation, swelling, and warmth.
- In one study, a single intra-articular injection in the shoulder joint and nerve blocks with steroid, lignocaine, and sterile water improved pain, swelling, and range of motion in complex regional pain syndrome.
- Another study associated prophylactic corticosteroid injections with reduced wrist pain severity in distal radius fractures.
- Ultrasound-guided local steroid injection to the wrist effectively treated carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Steroid injections, combined with anti-inflammatory medication, ergonomic adjustments, physical therapy, and casting or splinting, alleviate wrist pain.
- Steroid injections are administered with a local anesthetic to minimize injection discomfort.
It’s important to note that steroid injections do not provide a permanent cure for ulnar wrist pain. Their effectiveness varies by individual. Consult your doctor to discuss the pros and cons of steroid injections as a potential treatment.
What Is the Success Rate of Surgery for Ulnar Wrist Pain
The success rate of surgery for ulnar wrist pain depends on the cause and individual case. When other treatments prove ineffective, surgery is often recommended. Mayo Clinic suggests that minimally invasive techniques can expedite recovery.
Recovery typically spans three months. It is important to understand that surgery does not guarantee a complete resolution of ulnar wrist pain and its effectiveness varies from person to person depending on the underlying cause.
To determine if surgery is the right choice for you, it is advisable to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor.
