History and pain map
Which side hurts, what movement triggers it and whether there was an injury.
Specialist wrist care
Wrist Conditions & Treatment in Manchester
Pain, clicking, stiffness, a new lump or a wrist that feels unstable can arise from very different structures. This guide helps patients find the right starting point—from diagnosis and protection to wrist arthroscopy or reconstruction when needed.
6Focused wrist guides
Manchester · UKSpecialist consultations
Clear pathwayDiagnosis to recovery
Ulnar wrist painCentral wrist clickWrist lumpExplore by symptomUnderstand which wrist structure may be involved.
Start with what you notice
Where does it hurt—or what has changed?
Choose the pattern that sounds closest. This is a navigation guide, not a diagnosis.
Little-finger side pain
Pain with rotation, gripping or loading the ulnar wrist.
This pattern can fit a TFCC problem or another source of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Stability and forearm rotation help distinguish them.
Explore TFCC treatment ↗Conditions treated
Common wrist conditions.
Each card opens a detailed patient guide covering symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, surgery when needed and recovery.
01Wrist specialist care
TFCC Tear
Little-finger-side pain, clicking and pain with rotation.
Explore treatment guide ↗
02Wrist specialist care
Scapholunate Ligament Injury
Central wrist pain and instability after a fall or loaded extension.
Explore treatment guide ↗
03Wrist specialist care
Wrist Sprain & Instability
Persistent pain, swelling or a wrist that feels unreliable after injury.
Explore treatment guide ↗
04Wrist specialist care
Wrist Ganglion Cyst
A changing wrist lump that may ache, press on nerves or limit loading.
Explore treatment guide ↗
05Wrist specialist care
Wrist Arthritis
Pain, stiffness and weakness from cartilage loss or previous injury.
Explore treatment guide ↗
06Wrist specialist care
Kienböck’s Disease
Loss of blood supply to the lunate causing central wrist pain and collapse.
Explore treatment guide ↗Focused wrist diagnosis
Map the pain, test stability and use imaging selectively.
Wrist pain is often difficult because several structures sit close together. A good assessment links the exact location and loading pattern to examination and the right scan.
Stability and motion examination
Rotation, loading, ligament tests and grip are compared.
X-rays first when appropriate
Alignment, arthritis, fractures and carpal collapse are assessed.
MRI, CT or arthroscopy when useful
The investigation is chosen according to the suspected structure and treatment decision.
Treatment pathways
Protect function first. Operate only when the structure requires it.
Treatment is matched to stability, cartilage condition, severity, lifestyle and the patient’s goals.
Reduce pain and rebuild confident use.
- Temporary brace or cast
- Activity modification
- Hand therapy and graded loading
- Medication or selected injection
- Review persistent mechanical symptoms
Repair, stabilise or relieve the damaged joint.
- Wrist arthroscopy
- TFCC or ligament repair
- Ganglion excision
- Arthritis procedures
- Stage-specific Kienböck treatment
Patient questions
Wrist condition FAQs.
General information only. Diagnosis and treatment should be based on an individual assessment.
Why does the exact side of wrist pain matter?+
Thumb-side, central and little-finger-side pain involve different bones, ligaments, tendons and joints. Location helps narrow the diagnosis.
Do all wrist ligament tears need surgery?+
No. Stable partial injuries may improve with protection and therapy. Surgery is considered when there is proven instability, a repairable major tear or persistent structural symptoms.
Can an MRI show every wrist problem?+
MRI is useful but not perfect. Examination, X-rays and sometimes arthroscopy are needed to interpret whether a finding is truly causing symptoms.
When should a wrist lump be checked?+
A new or changing lump should be assessed if it is painful, firm, hot/red, associated with numbness or not typical of a ganglion.
Can wrist arthritis be treated without fusion?+
Yes. Nonsurgical care is usually first, and selected procedures preserve some motion. The best option depends on the exact joints involved.
Manchester · UK · UK
Persistent wrist pain or instability?
Arrange a specialist assessment and bring any previous X-rays, MRI scans, reports or braces.