Exploring the Causes of My Hand Pain
I’m a 32-year-old female who suffered an injury during the Christmas holiday of 2023, leading to a diagnosis of De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Initially, my doctor failed to provide any immediate tests or treatments, which left me without significant care for weeks. It wasn't until I consulted a specialist nearly six months later that I received the proper intervention, including injections. Although the tenosynovitis has resolved, I’m now experiencing new discomforts. Most notably, I feel pain in the palm of my hand and the top of my wrist whenever I engage in regular activities. The specialist recommended surgery for a pinched nerve in my elbow to potentially alleviate the issues, but this procedure hasn’t provided the relief I hoped for. An MRI showed only small nodules that the specialist claims are not operable and, according to him, should not be the source of my considerable pain. Also, while my tendon appears larger than the one on my opposite hand, my hand surgeon is reluctant to operate on it due to the risk of causing further damage. While the enlarged tendon isn’t my primary concern—only causing excessive pain when struck—I’ve been grappling with this issue for nearly two years now. Each time I visit my doctor, I’m met with vague responses and a sense of confusion from him. I’m curious if anyone else has dealt with similar situations or has suggestions on what this might be, which tests I might consider requesting, or advice on how to move forward. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 8:31:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience with your hand pain and the challenges you've faced in seeking proper care. It's understandable to feel frustrated after dealing with this situation for so long. Let's break this down to focus on your immediate concerns and what steps you can take.
Main Points
You are experiencing persistent pain in your hand and wrist region, which is interfering with your daily activities. You've undergone various treatments, including surgery and MRI scans, but you're still looking for clarity and further options to alleviate your discomfort.
Explanation
De Quervain's tenosynovitis affects the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist, causing pain and swelling. After treatment, it's not uncommon to experience residual discomfort or develop new issues, such as nerve compression or inflammation in other parts of the hand and wrist. The small nodules you've mentioned may not directly cause pain but can contribute to discomfort if they're near sensitive structures. Given your history of hand and wrist issues, it’s crucial to differentiate between muscular, tendon, and potential nerve-related pain.
Next Steps
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Symptom Diary: Start keeping a diary of your pain, noting when it occurs, the intensity, activities being performed, and any factors that seem to worsen or improve your symptoms. This can provide your healthcare provider with useful information.
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Physical Therapy: Consider engaging in a structured physical therapy program that focuses on strengthening the wrist and hand. A therapist can also guide you on stretching exercises and ergonomic practices to alleviate pain during daily activities.
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Pain Management Techniques: Explore non-invasive pain management methods such as:
- Heat Therapy: Applying warm compresses to relax muscles.
- Cold Therapy: Ice packs can reduce swelling and numb acute pain during flare-ups.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) to help manage pain and inflammation.
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Communication with Your Doctor: Prepare for your next visit by summarizing your findings from your diary and listing specific questions about nerve testing (such as an EMG or nerve conduction study) or exploring alternative pain management methods. Clear communication can often lead to a more focused treatment plan.
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Seek a Second Opinion: If you continue to feel that your concerns are not being addressed, it might be worthwhile to consult another specialist, preferably one with a keen focus on hand and wrist conditions or pain management.
The aim is to improve your quality of life by effectively managing your symptoms and identifying the underlying causes. It’s okay to advocate for yourself in this process—your experiences and comfort matter. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to discuss!
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