Seeking Interim Relief for Wrist Injury
Three weeks ago, I suffered a significant sprain to my wrist after a backward fall where I extended my arm, which caused a severe backward bend of my wrist. The following day, I experienced considerable swelling and pain, prompting me to visit urgent care. Fortunately, there were no new fractures detected, but I learned that my wrist had sustained previous injuries in the past. By the third day, the pain escalated, leading me to return to urgent care and subsequently to the emergency room, as advised. The sensation in my hand was alarming, feeling like it could burst from swelling, compounded by nerve pain akin to burning or being immersed in sulfuric acid. Despite having a high tolerance for pain, I found myself reacting uncontrollably, shaking and making unusual sounds. Unfortunately, the medical team could not alleviate the pain, and I exhausted my previously saved prescription narcotics from prior injuries—leaving none for future needs. At a weight of 150 pounds, I was taking roughly 40 mg of opioids just to manage the excruciating discomfort, which is an unusually high dose, even more than what is typically required post-orthopedic surgery. At present, I am experiencing sensations of numbness, tingling, and burning from my thumb to my ring finger, with my middle finger positioned awkwardly to the side. While some movement has gradually returned, and I can somewhat perceive temperature changes, I cannot feel touch or close my index and middle fingers. For lack of a better description, they feel almost non-functional. The pain intensifies at night, making it quite unbearable. I suspect my symptoms are indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome due to median nerve compression and tendonitis. The earliest appointment I could secure with a specialist is on March 2nd. Both urgent care and the emergency room practitioners recommended over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but I am looking for more immediate relief. In the meantime, are there any other measures I could or should consider? I've been engaging in range of motion exercises and alternating heat and ice treatments. However, if I run or elevate my heart rate, I begin to experience throbbing and burning sensations. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 12:50:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your wrist injury; it sounds quite painful and distressing. Given your symptoms and the ongoing pain, it's important to prioritize steps that can help manage your discomfort while you await your specialist appointment.
Key Points:
- Monitor Pain and Symptoms: Continue monitoring your symptoms closely, especially numbness and tingling.
- Pain Management: Focus on over-the-counter pain relief and alternative methods while waiting for specialized care.
- Activity Modifications: Be mindful of movements that aggravate your pain.
Explanation:
You mentioned significant pain, swelling, and numbness in your wrist and hand, which could be caused by a combination of tendonitis and potential nerve compression from your sprain. It’s common in such injuries to experience numbness and tingling, especially if inflammation is affecting the nerves in that area.
Next Steps:
-
Pain Relief:
- Continue using ibuprofen or acetaminophen as recommended by your healthcare providers, but be sure not to exceed the recommended doses.
- For additional relief, consider topical pain relief patches or creams containing lidocaine or capsaicin, which can help reduce pain locally.
-
Immobilization:
- Use a wrist splint or brace during the day and at night to immobilize your wrist, which can reduce movement and pain. Ensure it is not too tight to avoid restricting blood flow.
-
Rest and Elevation:
- Rest your hand as much as possible and keep it elevated, especially when experiencing throbbing or burning. This helps reduce swelling and pressure on the nerves.
-
Alternative Therapies:
- Consider gentle gentle stretching and range of motion exercises, as you mentioned you were already doing this. Stop if you feel sharp pain and avoid pushing through discomfort.
- Heat can be soothing, especially if used before exercises, while ice can help reduce inflammation. Alternate between the two based on what feels best for you.
-
Lifestyle Considerations:
- Avoid activities that elevate your heart rate or cause your wrist to ache further until your specialist appointment.
Follow-Up:
Continue documenting your symptoms, including any changes in pain levels or sensations, as this will be useful for your specialist. If your symptoms worsen significantly or if you experience new symptoms (like increased weakness in your hand), consider seeking immediate medical attention.
Please take care of yourself, and I hope you find some relief soon!
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