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    4. Dorsal Wrist Impingement

    Dorsal Wrist Impingement

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our orthopaedic specialists assess and treat dorsal wrist impingement and other causes of wrist pain.

    Dorsal wrist impingement affects the back side of the wrist. It happens when soft tissues, such as ligaments or tendons, become pinched between the wrist bones during movement.

    If you have pain on the back of your wrist, especially during movement or weight-bearing activities, our team can help identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment options that fit your needs.

    Early assessment can help relieve pain, improve movement and identify any wrist soft tissue injury before symptoms become ongoing.

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    • Dorsal wrist impingement is a condition that affects the back of the wrist. The word “dorsal” means the back side of the wrist.

      Your wrist is made up of several small bones. These bones are supported by ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that help the wrist move and stay stable.

      Repeated wrist extension or a previous injury can reduce the space available for these tissues. This can cause irritation, inflammation and pain.

      Dorsal wrist impingement often affects people who regularly place weight through their wrists. It also can happen after a wrist injury or because of changes within the wrist joint.

    • Symptoms of dorsal wrist impingement often develop gradually. They may become more noticeable during activities that bend the wrist backward, called wrist extension. These activities may include pushing up from a chair, doing press-ups, playing racquet sports or taking part in gymnastics.

      You may have:

      • Pain on the back of the wrist
      • Pain when bending the wrist backward
      • Tenderness over the back of the wrist
      • Swelling around the affected area
      • Reduced wrist movement
      • Discomfort when placing weight through the hand
      • Clicking or catching during wrist movement

      Symptoms may worsen with repeated activity. Over time, they can make everyday tasks, sport or exercise more difficult.

    • Dorsal wrist impingement is usually caused by repeated stress on the wrist or irritation Dorsal wrist impingement is usually caused by repeated stress on the wrist or irritation of the soft tissues at the back of the joint.

      Common causes and contributing factors include:

      • Repeated wrist extension during work, sport or exercise
      • Previous wrist sprains or injuries
      • Ligament injuries that affect wrist stability
      • Inflammation at the back of the wrist
      • Changes within the wrist joint after injury
      • Activities that place repeated weight through the hands

      These factors can irritate the soft tissues. In some cases, they may contribute to wrist soft tissue injury.

    • Diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation and examination by your specialist.

      Your assessment may include:

      • A discussion about your symptoms and when they occur
      • Examination of your wrist, including movement, strength and tenderness
      • Assessment of activities that trigger pain
      • Clinical tests to identify the source of your symptoms

      If further assessment is needed, your consultant may recommend imaging tests, including:

      • X-rays, to assess the bones of the wrist and identify changes that may contribute to impingement
      • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to assess ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues, including possible wrist soft tissue damage
      • Ultrasound, where appropriate, to evaluate tendons and areas of inflammation
      • CT Scan in selected cases where more detailed images of the wrist bones are required

      Different people need different tests, and your diagnostic pathway will be tailored to your symptoms and examination findings.

    • Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of the impingement.

      Many people improve with non-surgical treatment.

      Your treatment plan may include:

      • Activity changes: Reducing or adapting activities that repeatedly bend the wrist backward can help relieve pressure on the affected tissues.
      • Wrist support: A wrist splint or brace may be recommended for a short time to help irritated tissues settle.
      • Medicine: Your consultant may recommend anti-inflammatory medicine, when appropriate, to help reduce pain and swelling.
      • Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist may recommend exercises to improve wrist strength, stability and movement.
      • Steroid injection: In some cases, your consultant may recommend a corticosteroid, or steroid, injection to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms that have not improved.

      If symptoms continue despite treatment, your consultant can discuss whether further assessment or other treatment options may be right for you.

    • Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to experienced orthopaedic specialists and coordinated care for conditions affecting the hand and wrist.

      Our approach includes:

      • Consultant-led assessment and diagnosis
      • Access to advanced imaging, including MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, and CT where appropriate
      • Personalised treatment plans based on your symptoms and lifestyle
      • Collaboration with orthopaedic, physiotherapy, and diagnostic imaging specialists
      • Evidence-based care informed by international clinical expertise

      As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to helping you understand your condition and supporting you throughout your care.

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book a private assessment 

    If you are experiencing pain on the back of your wrist or symptoms of dorsal wrist impingement, our specialists can help assess the cause of your symptoms and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.

    Request an appointment or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Mr Karthik Karuppaiah, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

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