Persistent Pain in the Dorsal Wrist - Seeking Further Guidance
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for insights regarding a recurring and quite debilitating pain on the dorsal aspect of my wrist that has persisted for several years. Each time I experience a flare-up, I find myself unable to exert any pressure with that wrist for a duration of weeks. **Background** - Age: 23 - Location: France - Dominant hand: Right - Affected wrist: Right (currently experiencing the most issues) - Duration: Several years with repeated flare-ups **Symptoms and Impact on Daily Life** - Pain is specifically located on the dorsal side of the wrist. - Activities that trigger pain include extending the wrist while under stress—such as during push-ups, planks with palm support, pushing against doors or objects, and rising from the ground using my palms. - When a flare occurs, I cannot bear any weight on the wrist in an extended position, nor can I push against anything. - The pain lessens with rest but reactivates easily, requiring several weeks before it settles down again. **Diagnostic Investigation (Ultrasound)** I will include the ultrasound images and the accompanying written report. **Summary of Key Findings from the Report (dated 25/08/2023)**: - There is a noted thickening of the dorsal intercarpal ligament or the capsular plane. - Extensor tendons appear to be normal. - No joint effusion is observed. - No dorsal ganglion cyst was identified during this examination. - The conclusion suggests the presence of a chronic sprain or chronic changes in the dorsal ligamentous/capsular region. **Treatments Explored** - **Physical Therapy**: Unfortunately, this exacerbated my pain rather than alleviating it. - **Aspiration and Injection**: A physician aspirated a lump in the painful area and then injected medication, which provided temporary relief, but the issue recurred later. - **Consultation with a Hand Surgeon**: The feedback I received indicated that this is a condition related to fragility, and the recommendation was to avoid movements that trigger the pain. **Questions for the Community** 1. What diagnostic considerations do you think are most relevant in this case? 2. Which additional imaging techniques or evaluations would you suggest? 3. If conservative treatments have failed and physical therapy worsened my symptoms, what non-surgical options should I consider? 4. At what stage should I contemplate surgical interventions, and what procedures are typically effective for similar issues? I am eager to regain a pain-free wrist, as this condition significantly hampers my ability to engage in sports. Thank you for any advice or shared experiences you can provide.
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 10:50:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience with persistent wrist pain. It sounds quite challenging, especially considering its impact on your daily activities and sports. Let's break down your concerns and identify some steps you can take to manage this condition effectively.
Main Points:
- Chronic dorsal wrist pain may be related to ligament issues, and conservative treatments haven't provided lasting relief.
- It's essential to explore non-surgical options and consider when surgical intervention may be warranted.
Explanation:
Based on the ultrasound findings and your described symptoms, it appears that you may be dealing with chronic changes in the dorsal ligament structures of your wrist. This can often lead to pain, especially when engaging in activities that put stress on the wrist. Your previous experiences with physical therapy and medication injections indicate that conservative management hasn’t given you long-term relief, which is understandable and can be frustrating.
Next Steps:
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Modify Activity: While you await further solutions, temporarily adjust your activities to minimize stress on your wrist. Avoid movements that exacerbate pain, such as push-ups or weight-bearing on the wrist. Consider alternative exercises that can keep you active without involving the wrist, such as lower body workouts or swimming (if comfortable).
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Pain Management: Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, if appropriate for you, to help manage acute pain. Always follow recommended dosages and consult your local pharmacist or a healthcare provider if you have any contraindications.
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Wrist Support: Consider using a wrist brace or support during activities that might provoke pain. This can help stabilize the joint and reduce strain on the affected ligaments.
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Alternative Therapies: Explore options like acupuncture or chiropractic care, as some individuals report relief from chronic pain through these therapies. However, it's essential to find practitioners familiar with wrist conditions.
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Further Evaluation: Discuss further imaging options with your healthcare provider, such as an MRI, to get a clearer understanding of the soft tissue structures in your wrist. This might provide additional insights into the underlying issues leading to your pain.
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Specialist Consultation: If pain persists and major limitations continue, consider seeking a second opinion from a hand specialist who may have different therapeutic approaches or recommend specific interventions. Surgical options, if necessary, could include procedures to repair or reconstruct damaged ligament structures but would be assessed based on the severity of the condition and your specific symptoms.
Conclusion:
It’s paramount that you listen to your body, respect its signals, and prioritize self-care strategies that can alleviate your discomfort. Adjust your activities to minimize pain, consider alternative pain management techniques, and keep an open line of communication with your healthcare team about your options moving forward.
Please let me know if you have further questions or need additional details on any of these recommendations!
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