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:
-
Continue Rehabilitation Exercises: Maintain your current regimen of mobility exercises and isometric holds, but carefully monitor how your wrist reacts, especially to new movements.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Understanding the Reality of End-Stage Pancreatic Cancer
Navigating the complexities of end-stage pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming, and I'm seeking clarity on what lies ahead. My mother, who is 59 years old and weighs about 115 pounds, received her diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer in October 2025. Unfortunately, she has largely rejected the option of chemotherapy and is consuming her pain relief medications—specifically oxycodone and morphine—at an alarming rate. While I’m not worried about the dosage, the severity of her pain has reached a level that is becoming unbearable. Despite this, she is adamant about avoiding any hospital treatment, even though that's where she would receive the most effective pain management. I’ve attempted multiple times to get her medical attention, calling both hospitals and emergency services. However, due to her refusal for assistance, they have also turned us down. It was explained to me that taking her against her will could be considered kidnapping. After consulting with various healthcare professionals, I have been informed that her time may be measured in days or weeks. There’s also a chance that she could slip into unconsciousness, leaving me deeply unsettled. I am already in a state of mourning, yet I am desperate to understand what to expect in the coming days. It is crucial for me to prepare myself—emotionally and mentally—so that I can help ensure her comfort in these final moments. Plans are underway to engage hospice care, but the uncertainty fills me with apprehension. This is my mother, and I want to alleviate my fear so I can provide her with the support she needs as she nears the end of her journey. I yearn to be present for her without being entirely consumed by grief before she passes away. Any guidance or insight you could provide would be invaluable. I'm at a loss for what steps to take next and truly desire to navigate this situation with as much grace and readiness as possible.
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Exploring Inositol and CoQ10 for Managing PCOS Symptoms
As a 28-year-old female, I have faced the challenges of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) since my teenage years. Starting from the age of 16, I have dealt with highly irregular menstrual cycles, occurring anywhere from three to eight months apart. My diagnosis has been substantiated through two ultrasounds and blood tests revealing elevated androgen levels. Despite maintaining a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle—balancing my work as an environmental biologist with gym sessions alongside my husband—I continue to wrestle with weight management. Other symptoms impacting my daily life include significant hair loss, unwanted facial hair, and persistent fatigue. In my journey to manage PCOS, I previously sought counsel from a gynaecologist, who primarily suggested hormonal birth control as the main approach to alleviate my symptoms. Although I adhered to this recommendation for several years, the hormonal changes negatively impacted my mood, leading me to discontinue its use. Another alternative proposed by my gynaecologist involved androgen blockers, but these are not suitable for me since my husband and I plan to start a family in the next two to three years. Recently, my research led me to discover that supplements like Inositol and CoQ10 might effectively combat insulin resistance and lower androgen levels. They are purported to improve various symptoms associated with PCOS, including the regulation of ovulation, all while boasting minimal adverse effects. I am curious about the viability of these supplements as alternatives to hormonal birth control or androgen blockers in managing my PCOS symptoms.
Seeking Clarity on My Spinal Tap Results: A Bit Anxious
I am a 31-year-old woman experiencing a continuous headache for the past four months, accompanied by feelings of nausea and exhaustion. I take Lexapro each day to manage my mental health. I have a history of migraines and headaches, but this recent episode doesn't align with my previous experiences. Here are the findings from my spinal tap: - **Opening Pressure of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)**: 9 cm H₂O - **Presence of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in CSF**: 2,570 - **Total Protein Level in CSF**: 107 mg/dL - **ACE Level in CSF**: 4.4 - **Other Tests on CSF**: Results were normal. - **Brain MRI and MR Venography**: Both tests yielded normal results. - **Blood Test Results**: Normal results were obtained. Given these results, I'm feeling a bit uneasy and I’m hoping to better understand what they might indicate about my health.
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.