Persisting Wrist Discomfort for Over Four Months
I’m an 18-year-old female, and for more than four months, I've been experiencing persistent discomfort in my wrist. While I'm not entirely certain, I suspect this issue began at my previous job—where I ultimately decided to resign—while attempting to lift a heavy box. Since that incident, moving my dominant right wrist at angles around 90 degrees, whether upwards or downwards, has been quite painful. The discomfort intensifies whenever I put weight on it in those positions, such as when I’m pushing open a door or using my hand to bear my weight. I specifically feel this pain located directly in the center of the top part of my wrist. My mother has provided me with a brace that she uses for carpal tunnel syndrome, which I’ve been wearing for the last few weeks, but it hasn’t brought about any relief. I have been without a job for two months now, avoiding any additional strain on my wrist from work. My mom is hesitant about taking me to see a doctor because she's concerned about the costs of diagnostic imaging and believes it might be calcification—a condition she thinks they won’t be able to treat effectively regardless. Nonetheless, I’m genuinely worried about the possibility of living with a weakened hand for the long run. While it doesn’t significantly disrupt my daily activities, I am eager to find a solution for this issue.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 4:20:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're dealing with persistent wrist discomfort, which is understandably concerning, especially since it’s affecting your mobility and quality of life. Let’s break this down and focus on practical steps you can take to manage your symptoms and promote healing.
Summary of Key Points:
- Persistent wrist pain, particularly after a lifting injury, could indicate a strain, ligament injury, or tendon issues.
- Wearing a brace hasn’t brought relief, and avoiding strain is important for recovery.
- It’s understandable to be concerned about long-term wrist issues.
Explanation:
Your symptoms suggest that there may be an injury to the soft tissues in your wrist, possibly resulting from the heavy lifting incident. It’s not uncommon for wrist injuries to result in discomfort that lingers beyond the initial injury. The location of your pain in the center of the top part of your wrist could indicate issues involving tendons, ligaments, or possibly early signs of tendonitis. Wearing a brace is a good initial self-care step; however, if it hasn't helped, it might be worth exploring additional strategies.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Rest and Modify Activities: Continue to minimize activities that provoke pain, such as lifting or bearing weight on your wrist. Be mindful of movements like pushing doors or using your hand in ways that cause discomfort.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to your wrist for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, which may alleviate some pain.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: As your wrist begins to feel better, incorporate gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. Start with movements like flexing and extending your wrist gently, and progress as tolerated. A simple wrist flexor stretch would involve extending your arm in front of you, palm up, and gently pulling back on your fingers with the opposite hand.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If needed, consider taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen or naproxen, to help reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
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Consider a Different Brace: If your current brace isn’t helping, trying a different type, such as a wrist support designed specifically for injuries, might provide better stability and comfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms. Note any changes or patterns in pain levels or movements. If after a few weeks of these measures you do not experience improvement, it’s important to seek medical advice.
If symptoms persist or worsen, I would encourage discussing options for seeking medical evaluation, including possible imaging, with your mother when she is ready. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and may prevent further issues.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further clarification on any of these steps. You deserve to find relief and regain full use of your wrist!
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