Wrist

Wrist Health and Support

Wrist pain – causes, strain and technical aspects of support

What is wrist pain?

Wrist pain is a very common complaint, especially among people who work at a computer, use mobile phones frequently, or have professions with repetitive hand movements. The wrist is a complex joint structure consisting of eight small bones (carpal bones), ligaments and tendons that together allow for both stability and great mobility.

When one or more of these components are repeatedly stressed without adequate rest, micro-injuries, irritation, or inflammation can occur in the tendons and soft tissues. The result is pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling.

Common causes of wrist problems

  • Overload: prolonged typing, lifting or repetitive movements.
  • Incorrect ergonomics: wrist in a bent position when working with a computer or using tools.
  • Pressure on a nerve: e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve affected).
  • Inflammation or tendon pain: e.g. tendinitis, de Quervain's syndrome.
  • Fall or injury: distortion (sprain) or microfractures.

Biomechanical and technical analysis

The wrist acts as a transfer point for force between the hand and forearm.
During static load – e.g. keyboard work – a low but continuous muscle activation occurs in the flexors and extensors of the forearm.
This creates microstress in the tendon attachments near the elbow and wrist, and if the tissue does not have time to recover, it leads to increased friction and local irritation.

From a technical perspective, the biomechanics of the wrist are affected by:

  • Angle and rotation position: An angle of 15–20° extension is considered biomechanically most neutral for minimal tendon stress.
  • Pressure distribution: When the wrist is supported close to the carpal area, the torque force (Nm) in the extensor group is reduced by up to 25–30% at low loads, according to ergonomic design studies.
  • Compression and elasticity: A material with controlled compression (approximately 15–25 mmHg) stabilizes the joint without restricting blood flow, which promotes proprioception and reduces pain signals.

Self-care and prevention

  • Vary your working position and take micro breaks.
  • Keep your wrists neutral when working on the computer.
  • Avoid holding tightly for extended periods.
  • Perform light strength training of the forearm muscles (e.g. with rubber bands).
  • In case of pain: rest and use cold for short periods.

If the symptoms persist for longer than a couple of weeks, or if you lose strength or sensation, you should visit a health center for assessment.

Briefly about the technical function of the supports

Wrist supports are primarily used to limit unnecessary movement and distribute the load over a larger area. The most effective designs have:

  • Anatomically shaped design with controlled compression.
  • Material with varying elasticity for zone-controlled stability.
  • Possibility of adjusting tension depending on activity.

Examples of such principles can be found in European patent families for orthopedic supports with a gradual compression profile and semi-rigid inserts (e.g. EP2447321A1, WO2010068450A1).

Conclusion

Wrist pain often occurs slowly, as a result of repetitive strain.
With an understanding of the biomechanics of the wrist and by adapting your ergonomics early, many problems can be prevented completely.
When relief is needed, a well-designed wrist support can provide support and stability during recovery – for example, the ergonomically designed models offered by NordFiness.