Swelling or Thickening at the Wrist During Extension
At 29 years old, I’ve recently observed something unusual with my left wrist. When I fully extend my hand backward, I can see a noticeable swelling or thickened area on the underside of my forearm close to the wrist. This change is only apparent in this specific position and exclusively on the left side. Approximately six months ago, I began experiencing some mild discomfort in my wrist, particularly when I was typing or working at the keyboard for prolonged periods. To address this, I started some wrist-strengthening exercises, which have improved my condition significantly, making it more manageable now. There are times when I still experience slight tingling or numbness, but after undergoing a neurological assessment, the results came back normal. In addition, I take one puff of Inovair each day for my asthma. I don’t drink often, but I do partake in a few social drinks during weekends. I’d appreciate any insights on what might be causing the swelling in my wrist when it is extended.
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 8:50:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're noticing a specific swelling in your wrist that appears during hand extension, which can be concerning. Based on your description, this could potentially be related to a few common conditions, such as tendon irritation, ligament issues, or even a ganglion cyst. It's good to hear that you've been managing general discomfort with exercises, but the swelling and occasional tingling still merit attention.
Explanation:
When you extend your wrist, different structures in your arm and wrist are put in tension, which can reveal underlying issues such as:
- Tendinitis or Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the tendons or the sheath surrounding them, possibly aggravated by repetitive tasks like typing.
- Ganglion Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that often develops on the back of the wrist or hand, which might not be painful but can become more noticeable in certain positions.
- Wrist ligament issues: Swelling can result from ligament strain or minor injuries that may not have healed completely.
Your previous neurological assessment is reassuring, suggesting that there might not be nerve compression at play, which is a good sign regarding your symptoms of tingling.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the Swelling: Keep a close eye on the swelling to see if it changes size, becomes painful, or affects your function. Note when it occurs and any activities that may worsen it.
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Modify Activities: Since typing seems to aggravate your wrist, try taking more frequent breaks or using ergonomic aids, such as a wrist rest or an adjustable keyboard.
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Continue Strengthening & Stretching: Keep up with the wrist exercises that have helped you. Incorporating stretching may also alleviate tightness around the wrist.
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Cold Therapy: Applying ice to the area after activities that aggravate your wrist may help reduce inflammation. Use a cloth to wrap ice and apply it for 15-20 minutes to avoid skin damage.
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Evaluate Your Technique: If any particular activities like typing cause discomfort, consider reviewing your posture and technique in those tasks to help minimize additional strain on your wrist.
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Consider a Temporary Immobilization: If the swelling persists, using a wrist brace or splint for short periods may offer rest and support, allowing any inflammation to settle.
If the swelling does not improve or worsens, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a more thorough evaluation. This might include imaging studies to rule out any serious underlying issues. Let me know if you have any further questions or need more specific guidance!
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