Reasons your wrist is popping or cracking may include osteoarthritis, tendon issues, or an unstable joint.
This article highlights the most common reasons why your wrist is popping or cracking.
In some instances, a condition calledKienbock’s diseasecan also lead to wrist osteoarthritis.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
As this occurs, the bone collapses and normal hand motion is disrupted, leading to cartilage degeneration.
These include:
Treatments
Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, butit can be treated.
In addition, sports with repetitive wrist movements like tennis or golf can also be to blame.
In addition to crepitus, another extremely common complaint with tendinitis is pain.
Tendinitis is usually relieved with some of the conservative treatment methods discussed above.
De Quervains Tenosynovitis
Another tendon-related issue that can cause wrist popping or cracking isde Quervains tenosynovitis.
Muscle tendons run through a tunnel-like structure called a sheath that helps them glide smoothly as the muscle moves.
What Is the Finkelstein Test?
One way to diagnose de Quervains is by performing a Finkelstein test.
If this movement causes pain under the thumb, you may have this condition.
This is relatively uncommon and is only recommended if conservative treatments fail.
Your healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination and can recommend the treatments that are appropriate for you.
This pop in of instability can occur for a variety of reasons.
This may occur at one or several of your wrist joints.
Other instances of joint instability occur as a result of a chronic condition.
Ultimately, this hypermobility leads to frequent joint subluxation or dislocation, even during seemingly harmless movements or activities.
This joint disruption can also cause crepitus and may eventually lead to early-onset osteoarthritis.
A splint can also temporarily help reduce your wrist movement and decrease the pain or snapping associated with it.
Failure to do so can increase the likelihood that more damage occurs, which will prolong your recovery.
Summary
Popping or cracking in the wrist can cause discomfort and can significantly impact your daily life.
Despite this, however, it is important to not give up hope.
In most cases, there are conservative treatments available that can relieve your symptoms.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Arthritis of the wrist.
Penn Medicine.Treatment for tendonitis in the hand and wrist.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.De Quervains tendinosis.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand.TFCC tear.
Hypermobility Syndromes Association.What are hypermobility syndromes.
National Health Service.Joint hypermobility.
