Wrist pain
Wrist pain is common and has many causes, including a sprain or strain, overuse, a previous injury, or conditions such as tendon irritation, a ganglion cyst or arthritis. Read more about wrist pain →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the orthopaedics wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
orthopaedics waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust | Bath and North East Somerset | 12 weeks |
| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Liverpool | 13 weeks |
| George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust | Nuneaton and Bedworth | 13 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 14 weeks |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 15 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 15 weeks |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Camden | 16 weeks |
About wrist pain
Wrist pain is common and has many causes, including a sprain or strain, overuse, a previous injury, or conditions such as tendon irritation, a ganglion cyst or arthritis. It can cause pain, swelling, stiffness or weakness, and the right treatment depends on what is behind it.
How it is treated
Many causes of wrist pain settle with rest from the activities that aggravate it, pain relief, and gentle exercises, sometimes with a splint or physiotherapy. If the pain is persistent or the cause is unclear, an X-ray, ultrasound or other scan may be used. Treatment is then aimed at the specific cause, which can include a steroid injection or, less often, surgery.
After treatment
Most short-term wrist pain improves within a few weeks with rest and exercises. Building activity back gradually and keeping the wrist strong help prevent it returning; longer-lasting pain should be reviewed so the cause can be treated.
Sources: NHS: Wrist pain. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.