Seeking Help for Persistent Wrist and Hand Discomfort
Hello, everyone. This is my first attempt to reach out on Reddit, as I’m feeling quite overwhelmed and ignored by those around me, including medical professionals (I’m 18, female). Starting at the age of 12, I've been facing a continuous struggle with discomfort in my wrist and the back of my hand. It all began during school when writing became unbearable. At that point, I discovered that wrapping my wrist with a bandage offered some relief, likely due to the pressure it applied. Interestingly, I noticed that wearing long sleeves seemed to reduce my symptoms. While the frequency of these episodes has decreased, they still occur sporadically. This persistent discomfort resurfaces not only while writing but also during activities like typing or carrying out everyday tasks. Unfortunately, when I sought help at the doctor's office, my concerns were dismissed. The situation has become particularly frustrating as I completed my university entrance exams in June and felt fine leading up to that. Now, it is resurfacing. Just a moment ago, I stopped filing my nails because I could no longer tolerate the feeling. It's not exactly painful, but it is incredibly annoying and uncomfortable. The sensation is akin to the feeling of my veins being engorged. I am reaching out in the hope of finding someone who can provide advice, share experiences, or perhaps someone in the medical field who might recognize what I’m going through. Thank you for any insights you can offer!
Answers (1)
8/29/2025, 10:12:24 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with persistent discomfort in your wrist and hand that interferes with daily activities, which must be quite frustrating, especially when you feel unheard by medical professionals. Here’s how you can approach this situation and manage your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Potential Causes: Your symptoms may be related to repetitive strain or overuse, which is common with activities like writing and typing. It's also possible that you could be experiencing symptoms of conditions such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Self-Care Strategies: Implementing specific self-care strategies can help alleviate your discomfort and manage symptoms more effectively.
Explanation:
You described sensations that resemble pressure or discomfort rather than sharp pain, and your symptoms occurring during activities that require repetitive hand motion suggest that your wrist may be overworked. Using a bandage for compression seems to provide some relief, which can be helpful for supporting the area.
Next Steps:
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Modify Activities: Try to take frequent breaks during activities like writing or typing. Incorporating a 5-10 minute break every hour can give your wrist a chance to recover.
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Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensure your workstation is ergonomically set up. Keep your wrists in a neutral position while typing. Consider using wrist supports or ergonomic keyboards/mice.
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Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Engage in gentle stretching for the wrist and fingers to improve flexibility. Strengthening exercises may also help—start with light resistance, like squeezing a stress ball.
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Cold and Heat Therapy: Applying a cold pack to the affected area can help reduce inflammation, while heat (like a warm compress) can help relax muscles. Experiment with both to see which gives you more relief.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any activities that seem to trigger them. This information can help you identify patterns and triggers.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeing a different healthcare provider who specializes in hand or wrist issues, such as a physical therapist or an orthopedist. They may better understand your condition and offer targeted treatments.
Please know that you're not alone in this and that it's important to advocate for your health. Don’t hesitate to follow up with a professional who can offer further insights into your discomfort.
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