Wrist & Hand Pain Treatment
From carpal tunnel syndrome to De Quervain's and wrist tendinopathy, hand and wrist problems interfere with almost everything you do. Accurate diagnosis is the first step.
HCPC Registered Chiropodists & Podiatrists · Royal College of Podiatry Member · Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow · MCSP Chartered Physiotherapist · Physio First Member · BUPA & WPA Recognised
What is Wrist & Hand Pain?
The wrist and hand contain dozens of small joints, tendons, and nerves packed into a small area, so different problems can feel deceptively similar. Pain, tingling, weakness, and clicking can each point to a different diagnosis, and the right treatment depends on identifying which structure is actually involved.
Common conditions we assess and treat include carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, wrist tendinopathy, sprains after a fall, and thumb base arthritis. At Lower Limb Clinic our clinicians combine clinical examination with in-house diagnostic ultrasound where needed, so tendon and soft tissue problems can often be visualised at your first appointment.
Full-body physiotherapy is now available at Lower Limb Clinic in Belfast. Book online to see our physiotherapist.
Common Symptoms
- Pain with gripping, typing, or lifting
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers, especially at night
- Pain on the thumb side of the wrist with pinching or twisting
- Weakness or dropping objects
- Clicking, catching, or swelling around the wrist
- Stiffness and aching at the base of the thumb
Common Causes
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression)
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis, common in new parents and manual workers
- Wrist tendinopathy from repetitive load, gym training, or keyboard work
- Sprains and ligament injury after a fall onto the hand
- Thumb base (first CMC joint) osteoarthritis
- Referred symptoms from the neck or nerve irritation further up the arm
How We Treat Wrist & Hand Pain
Treatment starts with working out exactly which structure is responsible, including screening the neck and nerves, since tingling hands do not always start at the wrist. From there, treatment is condition-specific: splinting and nerve-glide work for carpal tunnel syndrome, activity modification and graded loading for tendinopathy and De Quervain's, progressive strengthening after sprains, and joint protection with targeted exercise for thumb base arthritis. Where a case needs surgical opinion or nerve conduction studies, we recognise it early and refer on rather than letting it drift.
MSK Assessment
Clinical examination of the wrist, hand, nerves, and neck to establish an accurate diagnosis. Diagnostic ultrasound available in-house for tendon and soft tissue imaging.
Splinting & Activity Advice
Evidence-based splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome and De Quervain's, plus practical changes to desk setup, tools, and technique to offload the irritated structure.
Rehabilitation Programme
Graded strengthening and mobility work for the wrist, grip, and forearm, progressed to the demands of your work, sport, or day-to-day life.
Onward Referral Where Needed
Recognition of cases needing nerve conduction studies, injection, or surgical opinion, with prompt referral so nothing is left to drift.
Ready to get wrist & hand pain treated?
When to Seek Professional Help
- Wrist or hand pain has lasted more than two weeks
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers, particularly waking you at night
- You are dropping objects or grip feels unreliable
- Pain followed a fall onto an outstretched hand
- Swelling or clicking around the wrist is persisting
- Symptoms are affecting your work, sport, or caring for your family
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wrist & Hand Pain at Lower Limb Clinic.
Clinically reviewed by Paul McMullan
MSc Podiatric Sports Medicine (QMUL) · FRCPSGlasg · HCPC Registered
Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director, Lower Limb Clinic Belfast
Get Expert Treatment
- Same-week appointments available
- No GP referral needed
- MSc-qualified specialists
Related Conditions
Find Your Nearest Clinic
Get specialist Wrist & Hand Pain treatment at your nearest Belfast clinic
Lisburn Road Clinic
385 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EP
Ormeau Road Clinic
373 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP
We serve patients from across Belfast and Northern Ireland including East Belfast, South Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Dundonald, Carryduff, Hillsborough, and Comber.