Pain Above the Wrist in the Forearm: What to Know

Lifting, typing, racquet sports, tools, and repeated gripping can overload the forearm muscles and their wrist tendons. Pain on the inner forearm may occur with [Golfer's Elbow](/conditions/golfers-elbow/), while outer forearm pain may accompany [Tennis Elbow](/conditions/tennis-elbow/), although both conditions are centred nearer the elbow. A wrist sprain, tendon irritation, nerve compression, or less commonly a small fracture can also refer pain along the forearm. Notice whether turning a key, gripping, extending the wrist, or resting changes it.

Reduce the repeated task and take short movement breaks rather than holding the wrist rigid for long periods. Keep the wrist in a comfortable, neutral position and use a cold pack wrapped in cloth after a recent flare. Avoid forceful gripping, heavy lifting, and exercises that reproduce sharp pain. A clinician can assess grip, sensation, tendon loading, and the joints above and below the painful area. Explore the symptom overview for [Forearm Pain](/symptoms/forearm-pain/).

Seek prompt care after a fall or impact if the wrist looks deformed, swelling is marked, or you cannot use the hand. Urgent assessment is also needed for a cold or pale hand, new loss of sensation, progressive weakness, severe pain, or redness and fever. Arrange a routine review when pain keeps returning, interferes with work or sleep, or does not settle after reducing the provoking activity.

Ask whether the pain is coming from a tendon, muscle, nerve, wrist, or elbow; whether a brace or test is appropriate; and how to modify work or sport. Ask when strengthening should start and which symptoms mean you should stop an exercise.