Pain from elbow to wrist: 5 likely culprits and their treatments

Pain from the elbow to the wrist can make something simple like drinking a cup of coffee more challenging. Whether the cause of this pain is from overuse, injury or repetitive motions, there are many treatments you can try to alleviate your discomfort. 

Physical therapy is a great way to strengthen your muscles and reduce inflammation to help ease pain. Additional treatments like medication, braces or even modifying your activities can make a difference on your path to healing. Identifying the underlying cause of your elbow-to-wrist pain is the first step toward finding the solution.

Let’s explore the five likely culprits of pain from the elbow to the wrist and their treatments, so you can find relief.

5 common causes of pain from elbow to wrist 

Pain in the elbow and wrist can have many different causes, including overuse, injury and different types of medical conditions. Here are five common culprits of elbow-to-wrist pain:

1. Tendinitis

This condition occurs when a tendon, or a strong cord of connective tissue that attaches muscle to a bone, becomes inflamed. Repetitive strain, overuse or a sudden injury could cause tendinitis. 

Symptoms of tendinitis include:

• Pain or a dull ache near the joint

• Tenderness

• Swollen tendons

• Stiffness in joint

• Difficulty moving the affected joint

2. Nerve compression

This condition is also known as a pinched nerve and happens when a bone, cartilage, tendon or muscle applies excessive pressure to a nerve. Nerve compression can cause pain and limit wrist flexion. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common type of nerve compression with an estimated three out of every 1,000 Americans experiencing it each year.

Symptoms of nerve compression include:

• Pain

• Numbness

• Tingling

• Burning sensations

• Weakness

3. Sprains and strains

These conditions can come from overuse, repetitive strain or injury. Damage to the ligaments can cause sprains, whereas damage to the muscles can cause strains. 

Symptoms of sprains and strains include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Limited range of motion

4. Arthritis

This disease causes joint damage, inflammation and stiffness. There are over 100 types of arthritis, which can occur from cartilage wearing down over time, injury or sometimes occur without an underlying cause. 

Symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint pain

• Stiffness in the joints

• Limited range of motion

• A feeling of warmth near the joints

• Tenderness around the joints

5. Fracture

A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. Whether it’s a complete break or a small crack, injuries, overuse or medical conditions that weaken the bones can cause a fracture. While a cast can repair the fracture, temporary weakness and stiffness are common after not using a limb. Additional treatments like physical therapy can help restore strength, reducing pain and stiffness.

Symptoms of a fracture include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Numbness or tingling

• Bent or crooked limb

• Inability to bear weight

• Loss of function

Treatment options that can help ease elbow-to-wrist pain

If you have pain from your elbow to wrist, you can consider many types of treatment. The following treatments can alleviate pain, and a combination of them may be used together for optimal results:

• RICE method

Helpful for: tendinitis, sprains, strains and some cases of arthritis

With the RICE method, a combination of rest, ice, compression and elevation can help reduce pain and swelling within the first 48 hours. 

• Rest —Try to rest as much as possible to help ease your elbow-to-wrist pain. 

• Ice — Applying an ice pack or cold compress for 20 minutes at a time can reduce pain and inflammation. 

• Compression — Wearing a bandage can support the affected area.

• Elevation — Raising your injured arm above your heart can help decrease swelling. 

• Pain medication

Helpful for: tendinitis, nerve compression, sprains, strains and fractures

For help relieving pain and inflammation, you can consider over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and naproxen. However, it’s best to consult your doctor before taking any medication to ensure your treatment is safe and effective. Your doctor may also determine that a prescription pain reliever may be the best to alleviate your discomfort. Medication can help relieve pain from tendinitis, nerve compression, sprains, strains, arthritis and fractures. 

• Activity modification

Helpful for: tendinitis, nerve compression, sprains, strains and fractures

By identifying the activities that trigger your elbow-to-wrist pain, you can learn how to modify your daily routine to help your body heal. As you make these adjustments, you can reduce strain on the affected area, which helps healing by decreasing inflammation. Activity modification can prevent further damage. 

• Braces or splints

Helpful for: tendinitis, nerve compression, sprains, strains and fractures

By supporting the joints, braces and splints can limit movement, which helps the affected area heal. A brace or splint can be especially helpful if your elbow-to-wrist pain is caused by repetitive strain. Braces are commonly used for mild strains, sprains and fractures, allowing for some controlled movement. A splint may be recommended for more severe conditions since it provides greater restriction than a brace.

• Physical therapy

Helpful for: tendinitis, nerve compression, sprains, strains and fractures

With physical therapy, your treatment can be personalized to address the  underlying cause of your elbow-to-wrist pain. A physical therapist can work with you to  help strengthen your muscles, improve mobility and reduce inflammation. Physical therapy techniques and exercises that are customized to your needs can ease your pain. 

Help ease your elbow-to-wrist pain at KC Rehab

No matter what’s causing your pain from your elbow to your wrist, there are different treatments that can help manage your symptoms. Finding the cause of your pain can bring you closer to the solution you need to feel better, but that’s how a physical therapist can help.

At KC Rehab, our team can help ease your elbow-to-wrist pain with a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you. We can work with you to help reduce inflammation, improve mobility and strengthen your muscles. With our guidance and support, we can help you feel better and move better.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.