If your wrist hurts, tingles, or feels weak, you’re not alone. Wrist pain and numbness can disrupt your daily routine from gripping a steering wheel to typing at a desk. While some discomfort is temporary, persistent symptoms may signal an underlying condition that needs medical attention.
Dr. Neil Singh provides expert orthopedic care for wrist and hand conditions in New Castle, PA. Whether you're dealing with repetitive strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or a recent injury, we’re here to help uncover the cause and relieve your pain with precise, compassionate care. Ready to find out what’s behind your wrist discomfort? Schedule an appointment today.
Let’s explore five important signs you shouldn’t ignore and how early care can make all the difference.
What Causes Wrist Pain and Numbness?
Wrist pain and numbness often result from inflammation, nerve compression, or overuse injuries. The wrist joint contains eight small bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves—all of which can be affected by trauma or repetitive motion.
Common causes include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve)
- Tendonitis or tenosynovitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
- Wrist injuries such as sprains, ligament tears, or fractures
- Repetitive motion stress from work or sports
- Ganglion cysts
- Nerve entrapment or poor blood circulation
Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Even mild wrist symptoms can signal something more serious. If these signs sound familiar, a professional evaluation can help prevent long-term complications.
1. Numbness or Tingling in the Thumb, Index, or Middle Fingers
If you're experiencing tingling or numbness in your middle fingers, especially at night or while driving, it could be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist, is compressed.
Early carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms often feel like your hand is “falling asleep.” Over time, this can progress into chronic pain, muscle weakness, and even permanent nerve damage if left untreated. A carpal tunnel test can help confirm the diagnosis and guide your next steps.
2. Pain That Worsens with Repetitive Movements
Do your symptoms get worse when you're typing, lifting, or performing similar tasks repeatedly? Overuse injuries are a common reason patients seek care for wrist discomfort. Repetitive movements can inflame tissues around the wrist joint, especially in athletes, manual laborers, and office workers.
Whether the issue stems from ligament tears, tendon inflammation, or median nerve compression, we evaluate your activities and ergonomics to identify the root cause. Physical therapy, bracing, or activity modification can often provide relief without surgery.
3. Weak Grip or Difficulty Holding Objects
Struggling to twist a lid or carry a grocery bag? This could signal nerve compression or even tendon dysfunction. As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, the muscles in the thumb base may weaken, making everyday tasks more difficult.
Treatment options range from therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome to strengthening exercises and wrist splints. In some cases, wrist surgery, such as carpal tunnel release, may be recommended to relieve pressure and restore function.
4. Swelling or a Visible Lump
Swelling around the wrist may come from wrist injuries, ganglion cysts, or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that often develop over the wrist bones (made up of eight small bones) and can press on nearby nerves.
While some cysts disappear on their own, others may require drainage or removal. If swelling is accompanied by numbness, it’s important to evaluate for nerve compression or restricted blood supply.
5. Pain After a Sudden Injury or Ongoing Discomfort
Sports injuries, falls, and accidents can cause wrist pain immediately or lead to lingering issues that develop slowly. A fracture, sprain, or dislocation may not always be obvious at first, but can become chronic wrist pain without proper care.
If you’ve experienced trauma or if your wrist hurts for more than a few days without improving, don’t wait. Early imaging and evaluation can prevent long-term complications and support healing.
How Wrist Pain Is Treated at Singh Orthopedics
Treatment is always based on your condition, activity level, and goals. At Singh Orthopedics, Dr. Singh uses advanced diagnostics and conservative care first, offering surgery only when necessary.
Our services include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment, including endoscopic carpal tunnel release
- Custom bracing and physical therapy for overuse or repetitive injuries
- Image-guided injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Removal or aspiration of ganglion cysts
- Surgical care for ligament tears, fractures, or advanced compression
We also offer guidance on ergonomic adjustments, anti-inflammatory medication, and home-based exercises to support long-term recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Singh?
Dr. Neil Singh is known across New Castle for his precise, patient-focused approach to upper extremity care. He combines deep expertise with a commitment to helping patients return to their routines with confidence and comfort.
Here’s why patients trust Singh Orthopedics:
- Board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist conditions
- Offers both traditional and minimally invasive surgical options
- Experienced in treating nerve compression, repetitive strain, and joint conditions
- Personalized care plans for each patient’s lifestyle and needs
- Friendly, compassionate team with easy access and fast scheduling
Get the Relief You Deserve with Dr. Neil Singh
Lingering wrist pain, numbness, or weakness can lead to more serious conditions if ignored. Fortunately, Dr. Neil Singh and the team at Singh Orthopedics are here to help you find relief and restore function with the right treatment plan.
Call our office at 724-656-0086 or request your appointment online. We're located at 26 Nesbitt Road, New Castle, PA, and we’re ready to help you move, work, and live without wrist pain.
