When Wrist Pain Isn’t Just a Sprain: Understanding TFCC Injuries

Wrist pain often gets labelled as a “sprain,” especially after a fall or awkward twist. But if the pain lingers—especially on the little-finger side of your wrist—it could be something more specific: a TFCC injury.

The triangular fibrocartilage complex, or TFCC, is a structure deep within the wrist that helps with stability, grip, and rotation. When it’s injured, rest alone may not be enough to help it heal properly.

What Is the TFCC—and Why Does It Matter?

The TFCC is a group of cartilage and ligaments located on the small-finger side of your wrist. It plays a key role in stabilising the forearm bones during rotation, especially during movements like turning a doorknob, opening jars, or lifting heavy objects.

When the wrist is forced into a bent or rotated position—like during a fall, sudden lift, or sports movement—the TFCC can be strained or torn. This leads to pain, weakness, and difficulty with gripping tasks.

Common Signs of a TFCC Injury

Unlike some other wrist injuries, TFCC damage isn’t always obvious. Swelling might not be visible, and pain can come and go. However, you might notice:

• Pain when gripping or turning your palm up/down
  
• Discomfort along the small-finger side of the wrist
  
• A clicking or catching sensation with movement
  
• Weakness or loss of confidence when lifting or pushing
  

These symptoms often show up during daily tasks like carrying bags, turning keys, or pushing yourself out of a chair.

Why It’s Easy to Miss

Because the TFCC is deep within the wrist, injuries can be overlooked—especially if there’s no bruising or swelling. The discomfort may seem mild at first and worsen slowly over time.

If rest doesn’t improve your symptoms, or if grip strength remains limited, it’s important to have the wrist assessed. Early diagnosis helps avoid more complicated problems later on.

How Hand Therapy Supports TFCC Recovery

At Hands for Living, we support TFCC injuries with a step-by-step approach that promotes healing while protecting the joint.

This often includes:

• A custom orthosis to offload the TFCC and reduce strain
  
• Guided exercises to restore strength without overloading the joint
  
• Activity modifications to avoid repetitive stress
  
• Education on movement patterns that allow healing without restriction
  

We also monitor progress to make sure the wrist is improving at the right pace—and adjust the plan if symptoms are slow to respond.

What Recovery Looks Like

Most TFCC injuries respond well with conservative care when addressed early. With the right support, pain improves, grip strength returns, and daily activities become easier again.

The goal isn’t just to reduce pain—but to restore your confidence in the wrist so you can use it fully and comfortably.