Key points about ulnar wrist pain
- Ulnar wrist pain affects the pinky side (the ulnar side) of the wrist and can stem from overuse, injury or joint conditions.
- It’s commonly associated with sports, repetitive motion or trauma.
- Pain may be accompanied by swelling, weakness or clicking sounds.
- Diagnosis typically involves physical exams and imaging tests.
- Treatment ranges from rest and physical therapy to injections or surgery, depending on the cause.
Common related conditions
Ulnar wrist pain causes
Ulnar wrist pain typically is caused by:
- Injury or trauma to the wrist
- Repetitive motion strain
- TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) tears
- Ulnar impaction syndrome
- Tendonitis or arthritis
- Nerve compression (like ulnar nerve entrapment)
Ulnar wrist pain risk factors
People who experience or do the following activities are at risk for ulnar wrist pain:
- Sports involving wrist strain (like tennis, golf or gymnastics)
- Jobs requiring repetitive hand/wrist movement
- Prior wrist injuries or fractures
- Aging and joint wear-and-tear
- Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or carpal instability
Ulnar wrist pain symptoms
Ulnar wrist pain usually presents itself with symptoms like:
- Pain on the ulnar (pinky) side of the wrist
- Clicking, popping or grinding when moving your wrist
- Swelling, tenderness or bruising
- Decreased grip strength
- Numbness or tingling in the ring and pinky fingers
Ulnar wrist pain diagnosis
When your doctor sets out to diagnose the issue with your wrist, they may perform:
- A physical examination to assess pain location, mobility and strength
- X-rays to check for fractures or bone abnormalities
- MRI or CT scans for ligament and cartilage damage
- Ultrasounds for tendon inflammation or fluid
- Nerve conduction studies (usually only if nerve compression is suspected)
Ulnar wrist pain treatment
After diagnosing the ailment, your doctor will likely prescribe:
- Rest, ice, compression and elevation (the RICE method)
- Activity modification
- Bracing or splinting to support the wrist
- Physical therapy for strength and mobility
- Cortisone injections for inflammation
- Surgery if conservative treatment fails or you have structural damage
When to Seek Care
- Persistent pain or swelling on the pinky side of the wrist
- Pain that worsens with activity or does not improve with rest
- Clicking or instability in the wrist
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers
- History of wrist trauma or repetitive strain with ongoing symptoms