Guidance Needed for Unidentified Wrist Injuries
Greetings, everyone. I’m a 33-year-old man, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds. This is my first time sharing here, but I’ve been struggling with troubling wrist pain for quite a while. Back on May 15th, while playing golf, I took a shot that either struck the ground or a root, causing a painful shock to travel through both of my wrists. Ever since that day, I’ve experienced persistent discomfort, especially on the ulnar part of my wrists, making it difficult for me to lift objects, twist my wrists, or enjoy golfing. Initially, I attempted resting my wrists and applying ice, but unfortunately, those methods didn’t yield any improvements. I consulted an orthopedic specialist who recommended an X-ray, which came back clear. Subsequently, I received a cortisone injection, but that didn’t provide any relief either. An MRI was conducted as well, revealing no tears in the TFCC or ligament damage, just some accumulation of fluid. My doctor seems uncertain about the precise nature of the injury without opting for an exploratory scope, which has left me feeling quite frustrated and unsure of the next steps to take. At present, I'm wearing wrist widgets on both wrists, but I can’t tell if they are making a difference or if I should transition to more rigid splints. I have a few questions: • What is the best strategy for addressing these unidentified wrist injuries? • Should I continue to rest? If yes, what effective rest period looks like (is it complete immobilization, use of wrist widgets, applying ice or heat, etc.)? • When is it advisable to consider a scope to diagnose the issue? Any insights or shared experiences regarding similar wrist problems would be immensely helpful. Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 5:30:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing significant wrist pain that has persisted despite initial treatment efforts, and it's understandable to feel frustrated. Addressing unidentified wrist injuries can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can consider to help manage your discomfort effectively.
Summary of Main Points:
- Continue to protect and rest your wrists while gradually increasing mobility.
- Use supportive measures like wrist widgets or splints as needed.
- Consider when and why to discuss an exploratory scope with your doctor.
Explanation:
Given that your injury occurred from a golf swing and resulted in persistent pain, it is possible you could be dealing with soft tissue inflammation or overuse rather than structural damage. The fact that both X-ray and MRI results did not show significant damage is encouraging.
Resting is important for recovery, but "rest" does not mean complete immobilization. A balance of rest and gentle movement can help maintain mobility while reducing pain.
Next Steps:
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Modify Activity: Continue to avoid activities that provoke pain, particularly lifting or twisting. Gradually introduce gentle range-of-motion exercises as tolerated to prevent stiffness. Simple exercises include wrist flexion and extension performed within a pain-free range.
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Supportive Measures: If the wrist widgets feel comfortable, you can continue to use them during activities. If you feel they aren’t effective, consider switching to a more rigid splint, especially during active times or painful episodes. The goal is to support without hindering blood flow.
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Thermal Therapy: Ice can be beneficial to reduce inflammation. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after using your wrist. Heat can also be soothing but should be used when the pain is less acute.
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Pain Management: If you're not already, you may consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the directions on the package or any guidance from your healthcare provider.
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Continued Monitoring: Keep track of your symptoms as they evolve. Note any specific activities that worsen your pain or lead to improvements.
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Discussing a Scope: If symptoms persist without improvement over the next few months, or if they worsen, it may be appropriate to discuss an exploratory arthroscopy with your orthopedic specialist. This is particularly relevant if your daily life or work is significantly affected by the pain.
Reassurance:
I understand this may be a frustrating time for you, especially not having clarity on the cause of your wrist pain. With proper management and monitoring, many wrist conditions improve over time. Be patient with your recovery and communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your ongoing concerns and progress. Let me know if you have more questions or need further assistance!
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