Persistent Pain in Left Wrist
Hello, In October 2023, I (26-year-old male) was assisting a larger friend who had fallen due to intoxication. Unfortunately, during this ordeal, he tumbled once more and inadvertently pulled me down as well. I landed hard on my left palm and have experienced discomfort ever since. The ache, particularly localized around the Lunate and Scaphoid regions, tends to worsen after extended use of my wrist. Despite an X-ray and an ultrasound, no issues were detected. However, the pain exacerbates noticeably for one to two days whenever I engage in activities that require lifting heavier objects. I have been referred for an MRI but have yet to schedule the appointment due to some setbacks. I’m reaching out to inquire about possible causes of my discomfort and to seek advice on effective measures I might take to alleviate this problem. Thank you for your assistance, Wrist Pain Sufferer
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 9:30:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent pain in your left wrist, especially after a fall and given your symptoms, can be concerning. While your X-ray and ultrasound found no issues, pain around the Lunate and Scaphoid regions suggests possible soft tissue injuries, like ligament strain or tendinitis. These can sometimes be elusive on imaging, leading to continuing discomfort.
Explanation
The wrist is composed of many small bones and ligaments, and injuries from falls can lead to inflammation or minor tears that are not always visible on X-rays or ultrasounds. The fact that your pain worsens with heavier lifting points towards strain or minor injuries to these supportive structures in the wrist.
Next Steps
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Rest and Modify Activities: Avoid activities that require lifting or putting weight on your wrist. Give yourself time to heal by resting it adequately.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to your wrist for 15-20 minutes every few hours. This can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
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Compression and Elevation: Use a compression bandage to support your wrist and reduce swelling. Elevating your wrist above heart level can also help with inflammation.
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Gentle Exercises: Once the acute pain decreases, gentle range-of-motion exercises can improve flexibility without straining it. Start with simple wrist rotation and stretching your fingers.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and inflammation but should be used as directed.
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Schedule MRI: It is advisable to schedule your MRI as this can give more detailed insight into soft tissue damage that might not show on other imaging.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms. Note when the pain worsens and any specific activities that seem to trigger it. This can help identify patterns and inform your recovery process.
Take your time with recovery, and be patient with your wrist healing. If your pain worsens or doesn't improve with these measures, further consultation with a physician may be necessary.
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