The swelling of muscles can cause tightness and pain within the muscle. Tightness of one muscle can affect a whole group of muscles, resulting in more widespread pain in the arm. This is why it is sometimes hard to localise the pain. Straining a muscle can also be the result of overstretching or twisting too quickly.

Repetitive strain injuries cause the most pain when carrying out the task (e.g. heavy lifting) that caused the injury. The best treatment is to avoid carrying out the task and rest the muscles. Massaging the muscles can help stimulate the blood flow back the area encouraging repair and loosening any tightness.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of wrist pain. The carpal tunnel is a small space in front of the wrist joint where tendons and nerves pass through from the arm to the hand. They are encased in this space for protection. If there is swelling in the space then the tendons and nerves are compressed. The pain is worse when the fingers and wrist are bent. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also lead to numbness and tingling in the fingers. The pain often wakes the patient up at night and is relieved by shaking the hand. If you suspect this is the cause of your wrist pain, consult your GP for treatment options; this can be a wrist splint or a steroid injection.