Physio for wrist and hand pain
A physio can help if wrist or hand pain has not improved after 2 weeks of self-care, keeps coming back, or makes gripping and everyday tasks hard. Physiotherapy is used for joint, tendon and muscle problems in the wrist and hand, with exercises to ease pain and stiffness.
Some wrist and hand symptoms need NHS 111 or a GP first, especially after a fall or an injury: check the warning signs on this page before anything else.
- When to get it looked at
- See a GP or a physio if it is getting worse, keeps coming back, or has not improved after 2 weeks.
- Getting a physio
- In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy without seeing a GP, or you can pay privately.
Does this sound familiar?
- Your hand or wrist aches more at night, and your fingers tingle or feel numb.
- Pain and stiffness at the base of your thumb, near the wrist.
- Opening jars, turning keys or gripping things tightly hurts.
- It flares up with typing, using vibrating tools or playing an instrument.
- A smooth lump has appeared on the top of your wrist.
These are common ways people describe wrist and hand pain. They are not a diagnosis. If you recognise them, check where it hurts to see a suggested next step.
Common causes of wrist and hand pain
The NHS says wrist pain is often caused by bruising or injuring your wrist, but there are lots of possible causes. It links these symptoms with these causes. Do not try to diagnose yourself.
| What people notice | What the NHS lists as a possible cause |
|---|---|
| Pain, swelling and bruising, and your wrist is hard to move or grip with | A sprained wrist |
| Pain, swelling and stiffness at the base of the thumb that lasts a long time, sometimes with a lump | Tendonitis (de Quervain's disease) or arthritis |
| Aching that is worse at night, with tingling, numbness or pins and needles in the fingers, hand or arm, or a weak thumb | Carpal tunnel syndrome |
| A smooth lump on top of the wrist, which may be painful | A ganglion cyst |
| Sudden, sharp pain and swelling after an injury, with a popping or snapping sound at the time | A broken wrist |
When to get help first
If you have wrist and hand pain and any of these, do not wait to see a physio. This is the same list our check asks, taken from the NHS pages below. If you are not sure, call 111.
Call 999 or go to A&E
If you have wrist and hand pain and:
- Sudden pain, pressure or tightness in your chest that does not go awayIncluding chest pain that spreads to your arm, neck, jaw or back, or comes with sweating, feeling sick, light-headed or short of breath.
Get help from NHS 111, or ask for an urgent GP appointment
If you have wrist and hand pain and:
- You feel hot, cold or shivery, or generally unwell, as well as the pain
- The joint is hot and swollen, or the skin around it has changed colour
- You heard a snap, grinding or popping noise when you hurt it
- Severe pain, or the pain makes you feel faint, dizzy or sick
- You cannot move your wrist or hold things, or it has changed shape or colour
- You have lost the feeling in part or all of your hand
- A lump on your wrist that is very painful, hot or red
See a GP
If you have wrist and hand pain and:
- You have lost weight without trying to
- You have diabetesHand and foot problems can be more serious with diabetes.
- Tingling, or less feeling than usual, in your hand or wrist
What you can do now
If none of the warning signs apply, the NHS suggests:
- Rest your wrist when you can, and cut down on whatever brings the pain on.
- Put an ice pack wrapped in a towel on it for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Keep your hands moving with gentle exercises.
- A wrist splint can support it and ease pain, especially at night.
See a GP or a physio if it is getting worse, keeps coming back, or has not improved after 2 weeks.
What a physio usually does
Physiotherapy is used for joint, tendon and muscle problems in the wrist and hand, with exercises to ease pain and stiffness.
- At a first appointment, a physio asks about your symptoms, your health and your daily life, and may check how you move, your strength and your balance.
- Treatment may include exercises to improve movement and build strength, and manual therapy, where the physio uses their hands to massage and move the area.
- You usually get advice on managing your symptoms and exercises to do at home between sessions.
In many areas of England you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy through community musculoskeletal (MSK) services, without seeing a GP first. Waiting times can be long. You can also pay to see a physio privately. The NHS says to check they are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Questions people ask about wrist and hand pain
Can a physio help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the problems the NHS lists for its community musculoskeletal (MSK) services, which include physiotherapy, and in many areas you can refer yourself. A physio can assess your symptoms and talk you through exercises and a wrist splint. Check the warning signs on this page first.
Should I wear a wrist splint?
It can help. The NHS says a splint can support your wrist and ease pain, especially at night, and that you can get one at most pharmacies and supermarkets. A pharmacist can advise you on the best splint, including flexible rubber ones if you still need to use your wrist.
Should I use heat or ice on a sore wrist?
Ice, at first. The NHS suggests an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a towel on your wrist for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. It says not to use heat packs or have hot baths for the first 2 to 3 days after an injury.
When should I see someone about wrist pain?
The NHS says to see a GP if wrist pain stops you doing normal activities, is getting worse or keeps coming back, or has not improved after 2 weeks of treating it at home. A physio is another option at that point. Some signs need NHS 111 or a GP sooner: they are listed on this page.
Sources
- NHS: Back pain page reviewed
- NHS: Shoulder pain page reviewed
- NHS: Elbow and arm pain page reviewed
- NHS: Wrist pain page reviewed
- NHS: Hip pain in adults page reviewed
- NHS: Knee pain page reviewed
- NHS: Ankle pain page reviewed
- NHS: Chest pain page reviewed
- NHS: Septic arthritis page reviewed
- NHS: Unintentional weight loss page reviewed
- NHS: Physiotherapy page reviewed
- NHS: Get NHS help for back or joint problems page reviewed
This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. A physio or GP can assess your own situation.