Scott, on the bad technique and ergonomics thing that kbrkr alluded to, I think there is something to it. I probably have lousy technique, I have no idea, but I remember my first teacher (I must have been six or seven) telling me to play 'wrist high' (sorta' like legs hanging over the end of a pier), in other words keep the wrists level with or higher than the hands. I probably play as often as anyone and as hard, and I've never, ever had a pain in my hands or wrists related to playing. In fact, practically everything else hurts EXCEPT my hands/wrists (arthritis). Bad knees, hip replacements, all, but the hands stay 'golden'. Hope you resolve it soon. Playing through pain is no fun.

chas