Revisiting Old Injuries: Sudden Wrist Pain After Years
Age: 24, Weight: 98 kg, Height: 6’4” Greetings, Doctors, Several years ago, I sustained a significant wrist fracture which required surgical intervention. Thankfully, the healing process went well, and for an extended period, it felt completely normal, almost as if it had never been injured. However, today I experienced a rather peculiar incident while moving my wrist in an awkward manner without any sort of stress or load. Suddenly, intense pain erupted in the area between my wrist and the base of my thumb. The sensation is reminiscent of the pain I felt during my initial fracture, albeit less intense. Even simple actions, like lifting my mug, are now uncomfortable. Could you offer any insight into what might have triggered this pain? It's worth noting that I haven't had any lingering discomfort since my recovery years ago. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 5:21:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a concerning resurgence of wrist pain, which could be related to your previous fracture but may also have other causes. Here’s what you need to know:
Main Points:
- Sudden wrist pain after years, especially in an old injury site, may be due to muscle strain, ligament issues, or potential joint problems.
- Recovery from your previous injury was successful, but this new pain warrants careful attention.
Explanation:
Given your history of a significant wrist fracture, the joints and surrounding structures could still be sensitive to unusual movements. Your sudden wrist pain might be due to:
- Soft Tissue Strain: The muscles or ligaments around the wrist may have been overstretched during the awkward movement.
- Joint Irritation: Sometimes, old injuries can lead to conditions like arthritis, which could cause pain to flare up unexpectedly.
- Nerve Compression: The position of your wrist during movement might have temporarily compressed nerves, leading to pain near the base of your thumb.
Next Steps:
-
Rest and Ice: Begin by resting your wrist and applying an ice pack for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
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Gentle Movement: After resting, gently move your wrist through its range of motion, avoiding painful positions. This helps maintain flexibility without aggravating the situation.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If needed, consider taking an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the instructions on the label.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your pain level, range of motion, and any swelling. If symptoms don’t improve within a few days or worsen, look for patterns that could indicate the need for further intervention.
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Activity Modification: Be cautious with activities that involve wrist movement. Make adjustments to avoid repetitive stress until you feel fully recovered.
If your pain persists or worsens, it may be beneficial to explore further evaluations to clarify the root cause of your discomfort. Please take care, and I wish you a smooth recovery!
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