Persistent Pain in Right Hand: Steroid Treatment Unsuccessful
Age: 40, Weight: 155 lbs with a greater muscle-to-fat ratio. Currently taking levothyroxine once daily, along with a history of IBS and an unspecified autoimmune condition. Recently, I began a new job with Amazon, driving those blue delivery vans that are ubiquitous in the area. I suspect the pain in my right hand and wrist stems from the repetitive movements that I'm not accustomed to. After two weeks, I attempted to lift a package weighing no more than five pounds with both hands, only to experience sharp pain radiating through my middle and ring fingers, extending from my palm and wrist up to my forearm and elbow. I dropped the package, switched to my left hand, and continued working, but any attempt to use my right hand resulted in renewed pain. This incident occurred around 8:15 PM on a Friday, and I completed my deliveries around 9 PM. I managed to return to dispatch and informed the doctor about filing a workers' compensation claim. Whenever we need to contact a doctor or the authorities, protocol requires that the driver undergo a drug test before treatment can begin. I was told the order for my test would be emailed that evening so I could go in early the next day. Unfortunately, I did not receive the order until 2 PM on Saturday, which delayed my visit to the clinic until around 6 PM due to a nearly 40-minute drive to the only accessible Quest lab. The nurse provided me with a brace and prescribed Prednisone, which I had used previously for sciatica and had found effective within about a day. I was instructed to return on Monday at 10 AM for an X-ray, as the nurse was uncertain about any potential fractures due to mild swelling and pain in all fingers except for my ring finger. When I saw the doctor on Monday, he was displeased that the nurse had advised me to keep the brace on until after the X-ray, but I explained our concern about possible fractures. As of Monday, I was advised to refrain from using my injured right hand for a week, with a follow-up scheduled for the 7th. Given my prior experience with Prednisone, I expected relief within 1 to 2 days, but now I’m on day 5 without any improvement. Interestingly, I have become aware of a lower back issue I was previously unaware of since I could sit up straight again on Monday. My query is this: Does it appear that the 20 mg dose of Prednisone is having any effect? Should I continue as I am, hoping for results and discussing it on the 7th, or should I reach out tomorrow to report the lack of relief? -- Apologies for any typos; typing one-handed is a challenge. Yes, I am applying ice to the injury regularly.
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 12:01:15 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with persistent pain in your right hand and wrist after starting a new job, and the Prednisone hasn't provided the relief you expected in five days. Your concerns are valid, considering the impact on your daily activities.
Explanation:
The pain you're experiencing is likely related to the repetitive movements involved in your new job, possibly causing inflammation or strain in your hand and wrist. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, is intended to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. However, the response can vary from person to person, and it sometimes takes longer than expected to see results.
Since you're on day five without improvement, it's important to assess your symptoms and the effectiveness of your treatment.
Next Steps:
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Contact Your Doctor: Given that you haven’t experienced improvement after five days on Prednisone, it's a good idea to reach out to your doctor sooner rather than later. They may need to adjust your treatment plan or investigate further for other potential issues, such as tendinitis or a strain that may not be responding to corticosteroids.
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Continue Ice Application: Keep using ice on the injured area for 15-20 minutes every hour as needed, particularly after any activity. This can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing some pain relief.
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Rest Your Hand: Follow the advice to avoid using your injured hand as much as possible. Use your left hand for tasks and refrain from lifting or gripping movements that cause pain.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your pain levels and any changes in symptoms, noting when the pain occurs or increases. This information can be helpful for your doctor in assessing your condition.
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Follow-Up Appointment: Make sure to attend your follow-up appointment on the 7th, even if you contact your doctor earlier. It’s important for ongoing monitoring and assessment of your hand’s condition.
Your situation is understandably frustrating, and it's positive that you are already taking action by using ice and seeking medical guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for support in the interim. Let me know if I can assist you further!
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