Ongoing Wrist Pain Nine Months Post-Sprain: Seeking Guidance
I sprained my wrist about nine months ago, and I’m still experiencing discomfort when using my phone, computer, and other devices. I worry that I may not have allowed my wrist enough time to heal properly. Could this oversight lead to a long-lasting problem? I’m a 30-year-old male, weighing 200 pounds, living in California. Since the injury, I've been incorporating wrist strengthening exercises into my routine for the past four months. While I've noticed some progress, it feels quite minimal and insufficient. Is it possible that not resting my wrist adequately after the sprain could have resulted in conditions like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome? My physical therapist mentioned that it might be related to a nerve issue. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to address this ongoing pain!
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 12:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with ongoing wrist pain for quite some time, and it’s understandable to be concerned about its long-term implications. Chronic pain following a sprain can stem from various factors, including inadequate rest, improper healing, or even nerve involvement. It's great that you’ve been strengthening your wrist, but it seems you're still looking for ways to alleviate this discomfort.
Explanation
After a wrist sprain, the tissues can take longer to heal if they are not given proper rest. This can potentially lead to conditions like tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon) or nerve-related issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome, especially with repetitive activities like using devices. Because you’ve experienced pain for nine months now, it’s essential to approach this comprehensively.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized steps to help address and potentially reduce your wrist pain:
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Rest and Modify Activities: Give your wrist some additional rest time. Limit activities that exacerbate the pain, such as prolonged phone or computer use. Consider using voice-to-text features or ergonomic support tools.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the wrist for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, especially after activities.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Continue with your wrist exercises but allow for a recovery day in between sessions to prevent overworking the tissues. Incorporate gentle range-of-motion exercises without resistance to promote flexibility.
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Ergonomic Adjustments: Evaluate your setup for using your phone and computer. Ensure that your wrist is in a neutral position to minimize strain. A wrist rest can help provide support.
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Consult a Specialist: If pain persists despite these changes, it may be beneficial to consult a hand specialist or a physiotherapist focused on wrist injuries. They can provide a targeted treatment plan and assess for any underlying nerve issues.
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Consider Anti-inflammatory Measures: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation if you are not contraindicated for their use.
This plan allows your wrist to heal while managing your symptoms more effectively. Keep track of your pain levels and any activities that worsen or improve your condition — this information will be useful if you decide to seek professional help later. Remember to listen to your body and take care!
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