In some of the ju jitsu arts they have a series of joint locks that they call cants. One joint lock in particular, sankyo, can be executed from several different positions.
I have seen practitioners torque their victims wrists most often with a vertical form of this joint lock.
I have use the vertical joint lock more for a static control, whereas I use the horizontal form for a 'come-along' technique.
Keep in mind, an expert practitioner will not only control your upper body with the joint lock, but will also control your lower half. You'll find it impossible to kick, once you have reached the point of no return (See Wrist Locks: From Protecting Yourself to Becoming an Expert).
On the other hand, if the joint lock is in progress, so to speak, a good swift kick to the shin or the knees could easily dissuade an attacker.
Another great option is to use your elbow.
A good practitioner will control your free hand with the pressure on your held wrist. But you may be able to elbow the joint locker with the elbow on the same arm as the wrist that's being locked.
Intermediate and beginning joint locking artists don't always have their angles and their distances worked out. Sometimes your elbow can come dangerously close to their face. use this to your advantage.
In other words, if you are being attacked, use everything you can to get free.
Warning: As I give that piece of advice, you'd better know the law in your area. Hitting someone with everything you've got, even if you are being attacked, could be perceived as excessive force. Stay safe, but also stay out of jail.
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I have also seen folks rotate to the side in a more parallel control, where their arm is along side the controlee's arm.
So, how to you get out of such a joint lock?
As soon as you feel a release of pressure, you should immediately be following up with those shin and knee kicks and punches and strikes from both your free hand and the hand that is now gaining freedom. More elbow strikes may be in order too.
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