Is This A Sprain?
I stand at 4 feet 10 inches tall, weigh 85 pounds, and am a 30-year-old female who vapes. I also live with ADHD and take 40mg of Vyvanse daily. Recently, I've been dealing with a troubling issue involving my arm. It all began on March 6th when my left thumb got bent back, and I suffered multiple impacts to my left forearm. I noticed bruising around my thumb and swelling at my wrist. Although it seemed to be improving at first, the following Monday, I heard and felt a pop in my hand. Suddenly, pain shot from my thumb and wrist, extending along my arm and creating a pinching sensation in my elbow. After getting an X-ray, I was informed that everything was fine and that nothing was broken (which I never suspected). A few days later, my arm was placed in a splint; however, I re-injured it. The next morning, I removed the splint only to discover increased swelling and pain. I had a follow-up appointment scheduled for that weekend, so I decided to wait it out. Despite adhering to the doctor's instructions regarding the splint, whether on or off, and ensuring I rested, the pain continued to radiate through my entire arm—from my thumb to my elbow, particularly on the sides where swelling persisted. Additionally, I experienced a harsh, burning pinch pain in my thumb where the tendon is located, along with a hot and swollen sensation from my elbow to my shoulder. Subsequently, I underwent follow-up X-rays on March 21st. By March 23rd, the doctor delivered a report stating, "It's just a sprain." Could this be a euphemism for the fact that my thumb is sprained, leading to widespread discomfort and restricted movement throughout my arm? === ORIGINAL MEDICAL REPORT === Left hand first digit Comparison dated March 12, 2025 Clinical query: Cast evaluation. The imaging reveals persistent, subtle lucency at the proximal ulnar volar corner of the proximal phalanx of the first digit at the margin of the MCP joint seen in the oblique view. This finding may indicate a minor avulsion fracture associated with an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament, warranting clinical correlation. Apart from this, no fractures or dislocations were detected. Should there be any clinical indications concerning the ulnar collateral ligament injury and the potential for a Stener lesion, further evaluation via MRI might be advisable at the orthopaedic surgeon's discretion.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 4:40:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a complex arm injury that has persisted for quite some time, causing you significant discomfort and limiting your movement. The assessment from your doctor indicates that your arm is sprained, which can indeed lead to widespread pain, especially if there are issues with ligaments, such as the ulnar collateral ligament.
Explanation
A sprain occurs when ligaments (the tissues connecting bones at a joint) are overstretched or torn. The symptoms you're experiencing – swelling, bruising, and pain – are common with sprains and can radiate beyond the initial injury site, especially if the surrounding tissue has been affected. The subtle lucency in the X-ray suggests that there might be a minor injury to the ligament or even an avulsion fracture, which could explain the ongoing pain and discomfort.
Next Steps
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Rest and Elevation: Continue to rest your arm as much as possible. When you do use it, elevate it to reduce swelling.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice to your wrist and thumb for about 15-20 minutes several times a day. This can help decrease swelling and numb the pain.
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Compression: Consider using a compression bandage to support your wrist and thumb, which may help control swelling.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate pain and inflammation if you're not contraindicated for these.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep detailed notes on your symptoms as they progress, including when pain occurs and the intensity. This will be valuable for your follow-up with a doctor.
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Consider Further Evaluation: If pain continues to worsen or there's no improvement in a week or two, it would be advisable to seek further evaluation. Discuss the possibility of an MRI with your healthcare provider to rule out any more serious injuries like a Stener lesion, particularly if you have concerns about the accuracy of the initial diagnosis.
Remember, healing can take time, especially with ligament injuries, so be patient with yourself as you go through this recovery process.
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