Wrist joint pain may be caused by several contributing factors, some of which include arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Acute trauma caused by injuries to the hand may also cause symptoms of wrist joint pain. Tendonitis and bursitis may also produce painful symptoms involving those areas. Although rare, malignant and benign tumors may also cause wrist joint pain.

Joint pain in the hands is a common complaint among the elderly. Osteoarthritis may occur when chronic inflammation causes a wearing down on joints over a long period of time. This deterioration may take several years to manifest into symptoms that include severe wrist joint pain. Symptoms of wrist joint pain include swelling in the affected areas and pain and stiffness. The stiffness may lead to immobility of the affected joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the body's immune system in such a way that it assaults areas of the connecting ligaments and joints. In certain cases, infection may trigger RA, while some experts also believe genetics are involved. This condition can be debilitating. A specialist generally can diagnose wrist joint pain as rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment typically will consist of medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Many individuals who work in professions that require constant use of the hands can develop wrist and joint pain. In some cases, the pain may worsen over time and require aggressive treatment or even surgery. Surgery is typically performed to restore full function and mobility to areas of the wrists and hands that have become severely damaged.

Repetitive motion injury occurs through over usage of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes severe wrist joint pain for many individuals. The median nerve becomes affected through constant use and repetitive activities. A loss of feeling may typically occur as an early symptom, along with a burning, stinging, or throbbing sensations. Moderate to severe wrist joint pain will generally be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Many types of trauma to the hand and forearm may also cause joint pain involving the wrist. Crushing accidents and injuries that involve severed nerves, torn ligaments and broken bones may result in such pain. In such cases, surgery may be necessary to reconstruct the torn tendons, severed nerves, and connective tissue to the joints. Deformities that may have occurred would often require reconstructive surgical procedures as well.