Triangular fibrocartilage chondromalacia

The most common source of pain in the little finger side of your wrist is degradation of disc and ligaments located here called the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). A TFCC injury can be a very disabling wrist condition.

Pain is exacerbated by any activity or position that requires turning your wrist and/or bending it sideways to the same side as your little finger. This includes simple activities such as turning a doorknob or key in the door, using a can opener, or lifting a bag of shopping.

As the name suggests, these soft tissues of the wrist are complex. They work together to stabilize the very mobile wrist joint. Degeneration of your TFCC can result in wrist instability, subluxation and/or dislocation. Instability can cause your wrist to click, clunk, catch or grind when you move it. Other symptoms include swelling and weakness.

Degeneration can result in the head of your arm bone (ulnar) impacting into your wrist bones, a condition called ulnar impaction syndrome, which leads to further joint wear and tear (osteoarthritis).