OT Hand Therapy Can Help with Stubborn Wrist Pain and Clicking
Is your wrist painful when turning a doorknob, twisting a lid, or bearing weight through your hand? You may be experiencing symptoms of a TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) injury. This is a common but often misunderstood source of ulnar-sided wrist pain. By “ulnar-sided”, I’m referring to the pinky-side of the hand/wrist, as opposed to pain affecting the thumb-side of the hand/wrist. (That’s for another post!)
What is the TFCC?
The TFCC is a group of cartilage and ligaments located on the small finger side of the wrist. It acts as a stabilizer for the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and cushions the wrist during load-bearing or rotation. It’s especially important during twisting motions like turning keys, opening jars, or using tools.
- Common Causes of TFCC Injuries
Falling on an outstretched hand - Repetitive wrist rotation (e.g., using tools, sports like tennis or golf)
- Lifting heavy loads with the wrist in extension and ulnar deviation
- Degenerative changes with age or arthritis
- Signs You Might Have a TFCC Injury
Pain along the ulnar (pinky) side of the wrist - Clicking, popping, or catching with wrist motion
- Pain with forearm rotation (turning a doorknob or key)
- Decreased grip strength
- Swelling or tenderness at the wrist joint
- Difficulty with weight-bearing through the hand
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
As a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), I provide targeted, evidence-informed interventions to support recovery from TFCC injury. Whether your injury is acute, chronic, or post-surgical, OT can help restore your wrist’s mobility, stability, and strength.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Orthosis Recommendations: A wrist stabilization brace helps protect healing tissues and reduce stress during painful movements.
- Activity Modification: Learn safer ways to grip, lift, and twist to reduce irritation while healing.
- Manual Therapy & Mobilization: Soft tissue techniques to reduce pain and promote tissue healing.
- Progressive Strengthening: Restore strength and coordination in the wrist and forearm using targeted exercises.
- Proprioceptive & Stabilization Training: Improve joint awareness and control
- Home Program Development: You’ll receive a plan tailored to your needs for continued progress between sessions.
When to Seek Help
TFCC injuries don’t always resolve on their own. Left untreated, they can lead to chronic pain, instability, and reduced function, especially in active individuals or those with manual jobs. If wrist pain is interfering with your daily life, now is the time to seek skilled care.
Let’s Get You Back to What You Love
Whether you’re recovering from a fall, managing a chronic wrist issue, or healing after surgery, I’m here to help you restore function and confidence in your hand and wrist. Healing is possible and you don’t have to go it alone.
Twist, Grip, and Lift Again. OT Solutions for Stronger, Pain-Free Wrists
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