23-Year-Old Seeking Answers for Ongoing Hand Issues
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old who has been facing ongoing issues with my left hand since I was around 19 or 20 years old. Initially, I noticed swelling and a significant level of pain, which made opening my hand a challenge. As time progressed, it became increasingly difficult for me to fully close it. My hand often feels weak, inflamed, and stiff, limiting my ability to use it effectively. Here's a summary of what I've undergone thus far: • I underwent a surgical procedure aimed at releasing the ring ligament, but it was ineffective. • Doctors speculated that I might have Dupuytren’s contracture, which led to radiation therapy, but that diagnosis was later confirmed to be incorrect. • Tests for rheumatoid arthritis were conducted and ruled out. • I’ve consulted with multiple healthcare professionals, yet I have no definitive diagnosis. I am eager to connect with anyone who has experienced similar symptoms or may have suggestions on potential avenues to explore next. Any insights would be genuinely appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/30/2025, 6:01:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a complex and frustrating situation regarding your hand symptoms. The challenges you’re experiencing—swelling, pain, weakness, and stiffness—are significantly impacting your daily life. While you have been through various tests and treatments, it's important to keep exploring options, especially when a definitive diagnosis hasn't been established.
Explanation
Your symptoms could arise from several underlying conditions, such as tendinitis, tenosynovitis, or even other soft tissue disorders. In cases where the usual tests and treatments do not lead to improvement, it's essential to consider a broad range of possibilities and seek further evaluation.
Next Steps
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Symptom Diary: Start keeping a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any activities that seem to trigger or relieve them. This could help identify patterns that may be useful for healthcare providers.
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Physical Therapy: Consult a physical therapist specializing in hand rehabilitation. Therapy can help improve your strength, flexibility, and function. Specific exercises tailored to your condition may significantly alleviate stiffness and weakness.
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Seek a Hand Specialist: If you haven’t already, consider seeing an orthopedic hand surgeon or a rheumatologist with a focus on hand conditions. They may have advanced diagnostic tools (like imaging studies) or treatment options that others haven’t explored yet.
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Pain Management Strategies: Explore non-invasive pain management options, such as hot/cold therapy, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, or topical treatments to help with pain and inflammation.
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Second Opinion: If you remain without a diagnosis, seeking a second opinion from another specialist can be beneficial. Sometimes a fresh perspective can lead to new insights or different diagnostic approaches.
Remember, it’s critical to advocate for your health and keep pursuing answers. Your symptoms deserve attention, and there is hope for managing them effectively. If you need more detailed advice on any of these steps, please let me know!
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