Unexpected Pain in My Wrists
Greetings everyone, I’m a 35-year-old female, standing at 5’6” and weighing 168 pounds, with no medications currently. Recently, I’ve been experiencing acute pain in both of my wrists without any identifiable cause or injury. The discomfort tends to lessen after a few hours but then returns. This issue began on Thursday. Yesterday afternoon, while the pain in my wrists had slightly subsided, I suddenly felt soreness in my right thumb, which is concerning since I’m right-handed. The thumb pain has also reduced over the past day; however, I am again sensing mild discomfort in my wrists, which are making noticeable clicking sounds. I'm apprehensive that the pain might return. This isn't the first time I've faced such a situation; about ten years ago, I had similar episodes on two distinct occasions — they seemed to appear out of nowhere and eventually resolved. Since then, I haven’t encountered any issues until now. What might be the underlying cause? Would it be advisable for me to visit my general practitioner? I feel anxious about the possibility of having a flare-up before my appointment, and I would prefer not to take up a slot if the problem resolves independently like it has in the past. I appreciate any guidance or insights you can offer. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 10:00:58 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing recurring pain in your wrists and thumb, which can be concerning, especially since it has happened before. The fact that the pain comes and goes and is accompanied by clicking sounds might suggest a few possible causes, ranging from repetitive strain to joint-related issues like arthritis. However, let's focus on helping you manage your symptoms and addressing your concerns.
Explanation
The pain you're describing in your wrists and thumb could be due to a few things:
- Repetitive Strain Injury: Activities that require repetitive wrist movements can lead to inflammation and discomfort.
- Tendinitis: This is an inflammation of the tendons that could cause pain and clicking.
- Osteoarthritis or Early Arthritis: Given that you had similar symptoms in the past, it might be worth considering if arthritis could be involved, especially as clicking sounds can indicate potential joint issues.
Next Steps
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Rest Your Wrists: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain, especially heavy lifting or repetitive actions with your hands.
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Use Ice: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to your wrists for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
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Gentle Stretching: Once the initial pain lessens, gentle stretching of your wrists and fingers can help maintain mobility. Focus on slow movements and stop if you feel pain.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any activities that trigger it. This information can be useful if you decide to see a healthcare provider.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If needed, consider an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but only as needed and follow the dosing instructions.
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Consider Professional Guidance: If the pain persists or worsens over the next few days, or if it significantly impacts your activities, it may be worthwhile to see your general practitioner. Your history of similar episodes could provide valuable context for a healthcare professional.
Reassurance
It’s understandable to feel anxious about the pain and its recurrence. Many people experience intermittent joint pain that can improve with time and care. If your symptoms do return or escalate, be proactive about seeking help, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further clarification!
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