Understanding TFCC Injuries: What’s Behind That Nagging Pain on the Pinky Side of Your Wrist?

A ProVital Physiotherapy Guide

Pain on the pinky side of your wrist? Trouble twisting a doorknob or doing a push-up? You might be dealing with a TFCC injury, a condition that’s often overlooked but can significantly impact your daily life.

Let’s break down what is the TFCC, why injuries happen, and what you can do to get better.

What Is the TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex)?

TFCC stands for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex. It’s a group of ligaments and cartilage located on the base of the pinky side of your wrist. It acts like a shock absorber and provides stability to your distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), especially during forearm rotation and weight-bearing activities.

The TFCC is small, but it plays a big role in wrist function. When it’s injured, even simple tasks like turning a key or lifting a bag can become painful.

What Is a TFCC Injury?

A TFCC injury involves overstretch or minor tear of the fibre complex.

What Does It Feel Like?

You may experience:

• Pain on the base of the pinky side of the wrist

• Clicking, popping, or a sense of catching in the wrist

• Pain that worsens with twisting or gripping

• Reduced wrist range of motion

• Weak grip strength

• Swelling and tenderness

Why You? Why Now?

TFCC injuries typically occur in one of two ways:

1.     Traumatic injury

This could be from:

a.     A fall on an outstretched hand

b.     Forceful wrist twisting or rotation

c.      Lifting heavy objects with the wrist bent

Common among athletes, gym-goers, or anyone who’s had a wrist sprain.

2.     Degenerative wear and tear

a.     Over time, the TFCC can wear down due to repetitive use or age-related changes. It’s more likely in:

i. People over 50

ii. Individuals with jobs or hobbies involving repetitive wrist motion

iii. Those with conditions like ulnar impaction syndrome

What Helps?

Fortunately, many TFCC injuries do not require surgery. Conservative (non-surgical) treatment is effective for most mild to moderate cases.

1. Rest and Activity Modification

• Avoid activities that cause pain or overuse (e.g. lifting, push-ups, twisting motions)

• Use a wrist brace or splint to limit movement and protect the area
  

2. Ice and Anti-inflammatory Medication

• Ice packs 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times per day

• Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation
  

3. Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist can help you:

• Restore range of motion and strength without aggravating the injury

• Improve forearm and wrist control

• Rebuild grip strength

• Address compensatory movements or poor wrist mechanics

• Prevent recurrence with proper wrist loading and functional rehab
  

Tip: Controlled strengthening of the forearm, wrist, and hand can prevent the injury from becoming chronic.

Can You Prevent It?

While not all injuries are avoidable, you can reduce your risk by:

• Avoiding repetitive wrist loading without proper technique

• Keeping forearm and wrist muscles strong and balanced

• Using ergonomic equipment at work or during sports

• Warming up before intense hand or wrist activities

• Managing conditions like arthritis that may accelerate degeneration

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

If wrist pain on the ulnar side (pinky side of the wrist):

• Lasts more than 2–3 weeks

• Worsens with activity

• Causes clicking, instability, or weakness

• Interferes with your work, sport, or daily activities
  

Early treatment can lead to faster recovery and prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

Words from us

A TFCC injury may not be as well-known as a broken bone, but it can be just as disruptive, especially if you rely on your hands for work or sport. The good news? Most people improve significantly with conservative care, guided exercise, and a few smart modifications.

Listen to your wrist and don’t wait for a small ache to become a big problem.

References:

1. Casadei, K., & Kiel, J. (2023). Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex. StatPearls [Internet].

2. Andersson JK, Andernord D, Karlsson J, Fridén J. (2015) Efficacy of surgical versus non-surgical treatment for TFCC injuries: a systematic review. J Hand Surg Eur Vol, 40(4):343–348.

3. Patel A, Mifsud M, Gupta A, et al. (2025) The natural history of non-operatively treated traumatic TFCC tears: a systematic review. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online, 7(2):118–125.

4. Vasudevan A, Lee D, Nitschke J, et al. (2024) Clinical and functional outcomes of rehabilitation strategies following arthroscopic repair of chronic isolated peripheral TFCC tears: a scoping review. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40688004