There are 27 small bones that make up each hand and wrist. Eight of those bones are in your wrist. Each finger has three bones, and the thumb has two. There are five bones in the palm of your hand, connecting each finger and the thumb with the wrist.

There are more than 30 muscles that control the hand and wrist. These are in your hands, wrists and forearms.

An injury to your wrist can also cause pain. Wrist pain is a common condition with various causes. The wrist joint plays a role in basic movements, from texting to writing. When pain occurs, it can interfere with day-to-day activities and even impact a person’s quality of life. The reason behind your pain dictates exactly how it’s experienced—sharp pain, dull ache, pins and needles, or tightness, for example.

But due to the Wrist’s complex anatomy, determining the “why” behind your wrist pain can be a tricky process. That is why the diagnostic process entails a detailed medical history and physical examination, followed by an imaging test. A treatment plan will follow, which usually involves medication for pain and inflammation control, and, rarely, surgery.