Persistent Wrist Discomfort 18 Months After Surgery
I am a 21-year-old individual assigned female at birth (AFAB) and deal with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. Currently, I am not taking any medications, just a daily multivitamin. Eighteen months prior, I underwent a procedure to excise a ganglion cyst from my right wrist. Since then, I have been dealing with ongoing discomfort that was absent before the surgery and does not affect my left wrist. Every day, I experience a slight ache, which intensifies to about a 4 on the pain scale every few days. The discomfort is not located at the surgical site; rather, it affects the surrounding areas of my wrist and worsens with movement. The surgery itself was straightforward, and although there was a minor infection afterward, it resolved without intervention or the need for antibiotics. In the initial months post-surgery, I assumed that the pain was a natural part of my recovery. However, it seems unusual for this issue to persist for such an extended period. Is it typical to still have pain this long after an operation, or should I reach out to my healthcare provider for further advice?
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 5:40:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent wrist discomfort 18 months after your ganglion cyst excision is concerning, especially since it intensifies with movement and differs from the original symptoms pre-surgery. While it’s not uncommon to have some lasting discomfort after surgery, the duration and nature of your symptoms would warrant further investigation.
Explanation
Your current pain, which is not located at the surgical site and worsens with movement, may suggest several conditions, including:
- Scar tissue formation: After surgery, scar tissue can develop, which may cause discomfort or pain in surrounding areas.
- Tendonitis or tendinopathy: Overuse or inflammation of tendons in the wrist can lead to persistent pain, particularly if the wrist has been subjected to stress during the healing period.
- Nerve sensitivity: Sometimes, nerves can become more sensitive after surgery, leading to discomfort that seems unrelated to the initial cause.
- Arthritis or joint issues: Although less likely given your age, joints can develop problems over time.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your discomfort, including pain intensity, triggers (like specific movements), and any other symptoms. This information can be very useful for your healthcare provider.
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Modify Activities: Pay attention to activities that exacerbate the pain and try to avoid or modify these movements to prevent worsening symptoms.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate wrist stretching and strengthening exercises suitable for your condition. Start gently to avoid aggravating your pain.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If needed, consider using NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) for pain relief, as long as you are not contraindicated to use them. Always follow the dosage instructions.
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Evaluate for Physical Therapy: If your discomfort persists, a physical therapist specializing in wrist injuries can provide tailored exercises and treatment options to enhance recovery.
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Follow Up with a Healthcare Provider: If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, it is important to reach out to a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may suggest imaging studies (like an X-ray or MRI) or other assessments to determine the cause of your ongoing discomfort.
Addressing your wrist pain sooner rather than later can lead to better outcomes. Your well-being is important, so don’t hesitate to seek help to ensure you’re managing your symptoms effectively.
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