Radial-sided wrist pain: First-line diagnostic approach and management of selected common pathologies

To provide a clinical overview of selected common pathologies causing radial-sided wrist pain and to guide primary care physicians in the diagnostic approach and initial management of these conditions.

A literature review was conducted using the PubMed MEDLINE database, supplemented by reference musculoskeletal clinical textbooks.

Radial-sided wrist pain has a wide differential diagnosis due to the complex anatomy of the wrist. A thorough clinical evaluation-including detailed history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging-is essential for accurate diagnosis. Several common conditions are presented with diagnostic features, relevant physical examination tests, and an overview of treatment options.

Radial-sided wrist pain requires careful clinical assessment to differentiate among multiple pathologies originating from anatomic causes. Primary care physicians can effectively manage many of these conditions with appropriate diagnostic strategies and conservative treatments. Early recognition and targeted interventions can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.