I have chronic pain in my left wrist. How do I fix it?

@ruthclayton6 Ouch! I have inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis and have had tendinitis and several hand surgeries, so I can sympathize.
First, let's start with the obvious - find another way to manage your phone when you run - pocket, fanny pack, armband...this will remove one stressor. Also, it's good for your hands and wrists to limit the amount of time you spend scrolling and texting on your phone - those tiny devices can cause an amazing amount of pain.

Second, I was the ergo-maniac for my staff years ago when people transitioned to spending hours at the keyboard every day. Tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain and many other woes were rampant. I
worked hard to be sure my employees were using correct posture & taking breaks.

To get to the root cause, you need to look closely at your phone and keyboard use as well as piano playing. Make sure you are using proper posture and body mechanics and taking frequent breaks (literally every 20-30 minutes) to flex and stretch your fingers, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck and back.

A visit or two with a hand therapist (usually an specialized occupational therapist) for evaluation can help. Also, there are exercises and braces that may help you. And Kinesio-taping for day long use. All of these are tools that a hand therapist has.

During an acute flare, you might be advised try anti-inflammatories - ibuprofen if you tolerate it or topical voltaren gel. You can also try icing, but it makes some people's hands feel worse.

Have you seen anyone about this issue?

we simply can't afford less music in the world, especially piano music. https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Cell-Phone-Armbands/zgbs/wireless/7073962011
Protect those tendons from overuse.

My daughter developed wrist tendinitis after a long kayak ride. She did all the things mentioned above, plus a prefabricated splint. When that didn’t work saw a hand surgeon who did a steroid injection, which didn’t help. That led to am MRI which clearly showed the tendinitis and the surgeon performed a steroid injection under fluoroscopy into the sheath covering the tendon, followed by more PT. That did the trick. So my advice is to keep following up with your doctor, see a hand surgeon if necessary and persevere with the recommendations. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

One more thing, the benefits of a well placed cold pack, especially ones that give and mold to your hand, cannot be overstated

Good advice!

I wanted to clarify one thing about therapy. Best not to see a generic occupational therapist. My advice is a certified hand therapist, especially since you play piano.

I moved frequently during my many years of hand reconstruction surgeries. Every time I needed a new therapist, I would insist that the receptionist confirm I was to see a certified hand therapist. I can’t tell you for sure it made a difference, but I felt secure I was getting the most appropriate care for my condition.

I had my physical therapist do dry needling on my wrist. It was a miracle cure!

Do you have any numbness in your fingers? My right hand I believe, has carpal tunnel. Thumb, forefinger and middle finger are numb a lot. Today not so bad. Some days I can't pick up pills because I don't have feeling in the ends of the fingers. I thought maybe neuropathy from chemo but it's only in right hand. I had an EMT in training hit a nerve starting an IV and pain shot down hand and in-between forefinger and middle finger. I had the numbness before then though. I did hair for almost 30 years so I'm sure it's carpal from the repetitive motion. You might check with primary care too. Mine just referred me to hand surgeon to see what's going on. Hope you get answers soon. It's very frustrating.

I was misdiagnosed for several years with tendinitis. I did all kinds of wacky things - and a variety of PT and doctors. I was about 38 at the time. Finally a rheumatologist diagnosed carpel tunnel, stenosis, and arthritis. However, a badass brace was not the answer. Returned to P.T. to get "baby exercises" to strengthen the connective tissue. That helped just a smidge. After struggling for 10 more years I resolved it! There is a position I put my hands in when I type at the computer (like you play at the piano) and when I do art. Long hours with strain on my wrists and connective tissue. I FIXED MY ERGONOMICS! Which meant the task was at the right height in relationship to my arms, wrists, hands, fingers and chair is the correct height and my posture is inline. I no longer over flex my hands back (towards my body). My forearms are in line with my wrist (no higher or lower) and my fingers do more work. When I first figured this out and I would get strained, I'd wear a comfortable wrist/hand brace (with a wrap between the thumb.) I'd only wear it for 3 days at most. Gradually got it to 24 hours and then nothing in the last ten years maybe. Try a deep myofascial release therapist to unglue your fascia if it is stuck together, an accupuncurist - I did that for years when I was younger and you may need to start strengthening your connective tissue/muscles at your elbows and shoulders to carry more of the weightload. hope it helps. I remember how painful and disabling it all was! Its due to repetitive motion and putting too much strain on your wrists, and being out of position.