Wrist pain that
has not been explained
If you have been told your wrist pain is a sprain, that your scan is normal or that it will resolve on its own — and it hasn't — a wrist specialist assessment may give you the answers you have been missing.
Wrist pain is rarely
just a sprain
The wrist is one of the most complex joints in the body. It contains eight small bones, multiple ligaments, tendons and major nerves — any of which can be the source of persistent pain. A general "sprain" diagnosis is often given when no specific cause has been identified, not because nothing is wrong.
Ms Razo is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with extensive experience in the assessment and diagnosis of wrist conditions, including those that have been missed or misdiagnosed elsewhere. Many of her patients arrive having seen GPs, physiotherapists and even having had scans that came back normal. A thorough specialist assessment frequently identifies a specific cause and a clear path to treatment.
Common causes of
unexplained wrist pain
Persistent wrist pain has many possible causes, several of which are frequently overlooked in a standard assessment. The following conditions are commonly identified by Ms Razo in patients who have not received a clear diagnosis elsewhere.
Damage to the triangular fibrocartilage complex on the ulnar side of the wrist. Frequently dismissed as a sprain or tendinopathy. Causes persistent pain with grip, rotation and weight-bearing.
Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Often mistaken for general wrist pain or arthritis. Causes pain with gripping, pinching and thumb movement.
Scaphoid fractures are notoriously difficult to detect on initial X-ray. Persistent wrist pain following a fall or impact that has been told to resolve itself may be an undiagnosed scaphoid injury.
Ligament laxity or partial tears can cause a sense of weakness, clicking or giving way in the wrist without producing clear findings on standard imaging.
Fluid-filled cysts arising from the joints or tendon sheaths of the wrist which can cause pain, pressure and reduced movement.
Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis affecting the wrist joint. Can develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious on imaging in the early stages.
Compression or irritation of the radial, median or ulnar nerve can produce pain, tingling or weakness that is experienced primarily in the wrist rather than the hand or fingers.
Degeneration or irritation of the wrist tendons from repetitive use or overload. Often diagnosed as a general strain but requires specific treatment targeted at the affected tendon.
A proper assessment
changes everything
The first step is a comprehensive clinical assessment. Ms Razo takes a detailed history, examines the wrist thoroughly and applies structured clinical tests to identify the source of your pain. Where imaging is needed to confirm a diagnosis, she can arrange private X-ray, MRI, ultrasound or CT scans, often within 24 to 48 hours.
Ms Razo takes time to understand exactly when and how your pain started, what makes it better or worse, what treatments you have already had and what impact it is having on your life and function.
A thorough hands-on assessment of the wrist using structured clinical tests. Many specific wrist conditions can be identified through examination alone, without imaging.
Ms Razo will explain what she has found, what is causing your symptoms and what the treatment options are. Many patients describe the clarity of a specialist diagnosis as a significant relief after months of uncertainty.
A personalised treatment plan is agreed with you from the outset, with clear goals and a realistic timeline. Where imaging or onward referral is needed, Ms Razo will coordinate this as part of your overall care.
Frequently asked
questions
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No. While earlier treatment generally produces better outcomes, a delayed presentation does not mean nothing can be done. Many patients come to Ms Razo months or even years after an injury or the onset of symptoms and still make significant progress. The first step is a proper assessment.
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Yes. Standard MRI protocols do not always detect every wrist pathology. Wrist instability, ligament tears and early arthritis can appear normal on imaging while still causing significant symptoms. A thorough clinical assessment by a specialist can identify what imaging has missed.
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Seek a specialist opinion. Many persistent wrist pain presentations that are dismissed as sprains turn out to have a specific diagnosable cause. The longer an undiagnosed condition goes untreated, the more entrenched it can become. Ms Razo can carry out a full assessment and give you a clear picture of what is happening.
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No. You can refer yourself directly to Ms Razo without going through your GP. Same-week appointments are usually available.
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Yes. A significant proportion of wrist assessments can be carried out effectively via video, including clinical history, observation and functional testing. Ms Razo will advise if an in-person appointment is needed for your specific presentation.
Get the answers
you deserve
Same-week appointments are usually available. No GP referral needed. Book a specialist wrist assessment with Ms Razo and find out what is actually causing your pain.