OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with My Wrist Pain: A Journey of Frustration and Hope

At 21 years old and hailing from Canada, I find myself grappling with persistent discomfort in the upper radial region of both my wrists that has persisted for roughly five months. The pain manifests a bit above my wrist, specifically on the thumb side. Interestingly, the pain seems to strike arbitrarily, leaving me puzzled as to what triggers it. Just the other day, I underwent a massage, during which the therapist applied pressure to the problematic area, leading to significant discomfort, although the pain eased once I returned home, reverting to its familiar, recurring nature. This ordeal began after I excessively strummed barre chords with incorrect wrist alignment, coupled with hours spent on the piano, repeating sections without pausing to assess my technique. Additionally, I suspect that activities like writing, typing, using my phone, and even masturbation have intensified the strain. In response, I have recently made several lifestyle adjustments: reducing the frequency of masturbation, limiting prolonged phone usage, easing my writing posture, cleaning up my diet, and introducing supplements such as vitamin D3, turmeric, and magnesium into my routine. Despite my efforts, my general practitioner can only refer me to specialists and provide medication. I consulted with an orthopedic surgeon, but they had no concrete answers, which was disheartening. I’ve had to request an appointment with another orthopedic specialist, and that may take another month. Additionally, my experience with a physiotherapist, who only held a master’s degree, was disappointing; the routines they prescribed seemed ineffective, offering little relief. Currently, I am seeing a more experienced physiotherapist. During our first three sessions, the focus has mainly been on dry needling my tense forearm muscles, yet I have yet to see a reduction in pain. When I inquired about a long-term plan, I was advised to stretch my forearm, and during the latest appointment, I was advised to limit my guitar practice to 15 minutes at a time and to report back on any persistent pain. While my new physiotherapist seems hopeful, I still question whether they have a clear long-term strategy. I wonder if the dry needling approach is merely an exploratory step to identify the core issue affecting my wrist. I’m eager to understand if conditions such as this can truly be alleviated through strengthening exercises and conservative treatment methods. Scanning through posts on Reddit detailing others’ struggles with repetitive strain injuries often leaves me disheartened, especially when I read about individuals suffering for years, resorting to steroid injections or even surgery. I refuse to accept that this is where my journey ends. Being young, I feel that I should have a fighting chance to recover independently. However, the Canadian healthcare system has been challenging, characterized by delays and unhelpful practitioners thus far. Moreover, the existing literature on repetitive strain injuries seems rather lacking. The common narrative suggests that if rest fails, the next step is a cortisone injection, and if that doesn’t work, surgery becomes the last resort. I had hoped that a resource like '1HP' on the r/rsi subreddit might provide valuable insights into coping with RSI, yet I found their promotional posts and videos unhelpful, leading me to suspect that they might be more focused on profit than genuine assistance. I apologize for the venting; I simply feel lost and anxious, spending countless hours in my room preoccupied with thoughts of this issue potentially escalating into something more severe. I’ve sought mental health counseling to discuss these concerns, but the wait time is three weeks, which only adds to my frustration. In summary, I’m a 21-year-old dealing with five months of wrist pain due to overuse. So far, conservative treatment has not yielded results, the healthcare process is slow, and I am currently seeking reassurance and experiences from others that demonstrate recovery is possible without injections or surgery.

Answers (1)

12/16/2025, 7:01:22 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about the frustrating journey you're experiencing with your wrist pain. It's clear that this situation is causing you a lot of distress and anxiety. I want to reassure you that many people do find relief from repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) through conservative treatment methods, and with patience, you can work towards recovery.

Summary of Key Points:

1. Persistent wrist pain may stem from overuse or poor ergonomics, especially with activities like guitar playing and typing.
2. Conservative treatment, including physical therapy and lifestyle changes, can support recovery.
3. Monitoring your symptoms and making gradual adjustments is essential for long-term improvement.

Explanation:

Your symptoms appear consistent with a repetitive strain injury, possibly stemming from activities that stress your wrist, such as playing guitar or prolonged typing. When muscles and tendons are overused, they can become strained, leading to pain and discomfort, particularly in specific areas like the radial region of your wrist.

The fact that you've experienced discomfort following massage and treatment suggests that your condition may involve tension in the forearm muscles, affecting wrist mechanics. While dry needling can help alleviate muscle tension, the goal is to develop a comprehensive approach that includes rest, strengthening, and proper ergonomics.

Next Steps to Consider:

1. Rest and Modify Activities:

   • Continue to limit repetitive wrist activities, including guitar practice, typing, and similar tasks. Gradually reintroduce them based on your comfort level, ensuring you take breaks often and adjust your technique.

2. Engage in Stretching and Strengthening:

   • Incorporate gentle stretching for your forearm muscles. Here are a couple of stretches to try:
     • Wrist Flexor Stretch: Extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing upward. Using your other hand, gently pull down on the fingers, feeling a stretch in your forearm.
     • Wrist Extensor Stretch: Extend your arm in front with your palm facing down. With your other hand, gently press against the back of your hand to feel a stretch.
   • Discuss specific strengthening exercises with your physiotherapist that can help reinforce the muscles around your wrist and forearm.

3. Evaluate Ergonomics:

   • Ensure that your posture during activities, such as playing guitar or typing, is correct. Your wrists should be in a neutral position, and avoid bending them excessively.
   • Experiment with different hand positions or tools (e.g., ergonomic keyboards or wrist supports) to reduce strain.

4. Keep a Pain Diary:

   • Note when your pain occurs, the activities involved, and any modifications made. This can help identify triggers and track improvements.

5. Follow-up with Your Physiotherapist:

   • Share your concerns about the long-term plan. Ask for a more structured program that includes not just treatment but also home exercises and recovery strategies tailored to your needs.

6. Mental Health Support:

   • Continue to prioritize your mental well-being while awaiting counseling. Consider mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, to help manage stress and anxiety related to this issue.

Assurance:

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious about the future of your condition. Recovery is often a gradual process, and with consistent effort in the right directions, many people do find relief. Stay connected with your healthcare providers and explore various modalities that work for you. You're not alone in this, and many have successfully navigated similar paths to recovery. Don't lose hope—your journey to better wrist health is possible!