Persistent ECU Tendon Injury
A brief overview of my predicament: approximately 9 to 10 months ago, I suffered a tear in my ECU tendon and continued to train for several months before ultimately ceasing all activity. An MRI revealed a split tear measuring 1 cm. I commenced rehabilitation around six months after the injury occurred and have been actively engaged in it for the past three and a half months. Although the inflammation has improved, I still experience significant discomfort and a nagging low-grade irritation. I find myself relying on a brace most of the time, and my progress seems to have plateaued. At 20 years of age, I am keen to overcome this challenge. During the initial rehabilitation phase, I took a few weeks off to rest my wrist entirely. Eventually, I began gentle mobility exercises and isometric holds, later incorporating wrist curls using dumbbells. Currently, I perform mobility exercises three times daily, alongside isometric holds, and I do wrist curls every other day. For my palm-up wrist curls, I use 3 kg, while for palm-down curls, I lift 2 kg. Initially, my wrist feels quite stiff, but it becomes more flexible with mobility exercises. Occasionally, I experience a slight pinch or heightened sensitivity in the ECU tendon during these rehab sessions, yet overall discomfort is minimal. The sensations in my tendon fluctuate daily. Some days, it feels more subdued, while other days it seems considerably irritated. Typically, when I wake up, the only discomfort is localized to my wrist or the area between my wrist and little finger. As the day progresses, if I engage my hand, it may become gradually irritated, extending discomfort from the forearm downward, with the site of unease shifting. Interestingly, on days when I focus on relaxing, like watching TV without using my wrist extensively, the irritation can lessen, depending on my previous day's activities. Certain actions, such as stabilizing bread while cutting, can provoke sharp twinges in the tendon. I find myself at a crossroads regarding my next steps. While I have a forthcoming appointment with a specialist, I wonder whether I should gradually reintroduce more wrist activities into my routine, such as lifting a glass of water, and begin incorporating it into my daily tasks. It feels like the recovery is becoming rather stubborn.
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 8:21:06 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing some frustration in your recovery from your ECU tendon injury after a considerable amount of time and rehabilitation efforts. It's common for healing processes, especially for tendon injuries, to be slow and sometimes frustrating. Here’s an overview of your situation and some actionable steps to help you move forward.
Main Points:
- Current Symptoms: You have persistent discomfort and low-grade irritation after your ECU tendon injury, particularly when you increase your wrist activities.
- Rehabilitation Progress: You've been actively engaging in a rehabilitation routine, which includes mobility exercises and isometric holds; however, you're feeling a plateau in progress.
- Next Steps: You’re uncertain about gradually increasing your wrist activities and need guidance on how to proceed safely.
Explanation:
Tendon healing can take time, especially after a split tear. It's great that you've been consistent with your rehabilitation exercises; they are vital in strengthening the tendon and restoring flexibility. The fluctuations in discomfort you experience are not uncommon, as the tendon can react differently to various activities. Overall, a careful balance of rest and gradual reintroduction of activities is essential.
Next Steps:
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Continue Rehabilitation Exercises: Maintain your current regimen of mobility exercises and isometric holds, but carefully monitor how your wrist reacts, especially to new movements.
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Gradually Reintroduce Activities: Start with light and functional movements in your daily life, such as lifting a glass of water. Be mindful of any pain or irritation and avoid pushing through sharp twinges. Success in these small activities can help boost confidence and promote functional recovery.
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Utilize a Brace Strategically: Continue using your wrist brace, especially during activities that provoke discomfort. The brace can provide stability to the area while it is still healing.
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Listen to Your Body: If you notice increased pain after adding new activities, it is crucial to pull back and give your wrist additional rest. Activities like stabilizing bread while cutting should be approached with caution, or modified to minimize strain.
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Prepare for Your Specialist Appointment: Consider discussing your symptoms, current routine, and any challenges you've experienced in your upcoming appointment. Bring notes about your daily activities and how they affect your symptoms; this information can help the specialist evaluate your progress and any necessary adjustments to your rehabilitation plan.
It’s commendable that you are seeking to stay proactive in your recovery. Adjusting your activities gradually and listening to your body will be key in overcoming this injury. Remember, recovery often requires patience, and adapting your approach based on your symptoms is a wise strategy. Let me know if you need further advice or reassurances.
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