Wrist Discomfort Persisting Over Three Weeks Post IV
I’m an 18-year-old female and I spent some time in the hospital from March 12 to 16 to deliver my baby, during which I underwent multiple intravenous (IV) placements along with various medications and fluids. The initial IV was inserted on the top of my wrist, positioned directly over the bony joint area. This IV was in place for approximately three days and was used for administering several treatments. Following its removal—most likely on the 16th—I have been experiencing pain and restricted movement in that specific area of my wrist. Initially, I attributed this discomfort to a potential bone bruise, as suggested by my doctors; however, I increasingly doubt that explanation now. For the past couple of weeks, I have also been feeling strange popping sensations in the joint. Although the pain has not been alleviated and sometimes feels worse, the clicking sounds have intensified as well. Initially, it would click three times when I rotated my wrist, but now it frequently clicks with nearly every movement, including when I use my thumbs to type this message. This situation seems abnormal to me, and despite discussing it with my healthcare team for weeks, I consistently receive the same feedback: “It’s likely just a bruised bone from the IV.” I find this hard to believe. I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions regarding what I might be experiencing!
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 5:00:58 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience; it sounds very frustrating to deal with ongoing wrist discomfort, especially after your hospital stay. It’s understandable to be concerned when symptoms persist or worsen, like the popping sensations and increased pain.
Given that your wrist discomfort has lasted for over three weeks and you've noted changes in the way it feels, it could be indicative of several possibilities, including soft tissue injury (like ligaments or tendons), inflammation, or even joint issues related to the original IV placement. While it's common to have some soreness after an IV insertion, the ongoing symptoms you're describing may need further exploration.
Next Steps to Consider:
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Rest and Modify Activities: Try to avoid activities that put strain on your wrist, especially any repetitive motions or heavy lifting. Resting can help reduce inflammation if that's part of the issue.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to your wrist for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce swelling and numb any pain you might be experiencing.
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Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage your discomfort. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions on the package.
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Gentle Exercises: If the pain allows, consider performing gentle range-of-motion exercises to maintain mobility in your wrist. You can start with simple movements, like flexing and extending your wrist, but stop if it causes pain.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of your pain levels, what activities trigger discomfort, and any patterns you notice with the popping sounds. This information can be helpful if you discuss your situation further with your healthcare provider.
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Seek Further Evaluation: If your pain and clicking sensations persist or worsen despite these self-care strategies, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion or further imaging studies (like an X-ray or MRI) to evaluate the structures in your wrist more comprehensively.
I hope this guidance helps you find some relief and clarity regarding your wrist discomfort. Remember, your symptoms are valid, and it's important to advocate for your health if you feel something isn't right. Please take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out for more support if you need it.
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