Insights on Persistent Wrist Pain
Age: 23 Greetings everyone, I wanted to open up about my ongoing journey with wrist pain in hopes that someone out there might have experienced something similar or could offer some guidance. Around two years ago, while performing chest presses at the gym, I felt a sharp pain in my left wrist. I stopped my workout immediately and headed home. Despite trying to rest it over the following days, my job as a barista at Starbucks, which involves a lot of repetitive wrist motion, made healing challenging. I decided to buy a wrist brace from Walmart, which I wore throughout the day, and I also engaged in gentle stretching exercises. After approximately two months, my wrist improved significantly and felt nearly normal again. Unfortunately, due to my work demands and everyday use, it flared up again, reverting to its painful state. I visited an urgent orthopedic clinic where I received a steroid injection in the joint, but it provided no relief. Seeking further advice, I consulted a hand specialist who conducted X-rays. He noted everything seemed fine and proceeded with an ultrasound-guided steroid and anti-inflammatory injection. Once again, the procedure yielded no results. I underwent a third injection in a different location near the TFCC and the connection to the ulnar bone, but that too did not alleviate the discomfort. For months, I have dealt with persistent redness around my wrist that won’t subside. I’ve tried a variety of creams, including anti-inflammatory and topical anesthetics such as lidocaine, but none have proven effective. I recently underwent an MRI without contrast. The findings indicated: - Impression: Fraying on the undersurface and a suspected partial tear of the triangular fibrocartilage disc, with no other significant concerns. Initially, I consulted one hand surgeon who, after viewing my X-ray, quickly diagnosed me with positive ulnar variance and recommended an ulnar shortening osteotomy. Subsequently, a second surgeon, likely influenced by earlier notes, proposed the same procedure. However, a third surgeon disagreed with the positive ulnar variance diagnosis and opted for a wrist arthroscopy instead. In November 2025, she stated that she had addressed some fraying, describing my TFCC as ‘loose.’ Despite this intervention, the pain and discoloration persisted unchanged, and physical therapy resulted in no improvement. At this juncture, I feel quite lost. The third surgeon introduced the possibility that the issue could stem from the pinky bone and suggested that removing it might offer a solution, though this remains uncertain. I have scheduled an arthrogram MRI for both wrists for a comparative analysis and plan to seek a fourth opinion from another surgeon. I endure constant pain each day, and at this point, nothing seems to provide relief. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
3/6/2026, 11:20:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing wrist pain; it sounds incredibly frustrating to navigate both the physical discomfort and the uncertainty surrounding it. Given your detailed history, it’s clear that you are seeking some guidance and something actionable to help manage your situation.
Summary of Main Points:
- You have persistent wrist pain due to a suspected tear in the triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC) and have undergone multiple treatments without lasting relief.
- You are pursuing further diagnostic imaging and seeking opinions from multiple surgeons to find an effective treatment.
Explanation: Your symptoms and history suggest a complex issue with the wrist that's not responding to typical conservative treatments or even surgical interventions. A TFCC injury can lead to significant pain and functional limitations, especially given your job's demands, which involve repetitive wrist motion. The redness you’re experiencing could be due to inflammation or irritation around the injured area.
It's important to carefully consider your next steps, which might focus on symptom management and exploring new avenues in treatment.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Modify Activities: While you might already be aware of this, it's crucial to minimize activities that exacerbate your pain. Consider modifying your work setup to reduce repetitive motions, perhaps by alternating tasks that require less wrist strain.
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Pain Management Strategies: Explore over-the-counter pain relief options like NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) if you haven't already, unless contraindicated. Applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes may also help to reduce inflammation after using your wrist.
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Consultation with a Pain Specialist: Given that previous treatments haven’t provided relief, consider consulting a pain management specialist. They can offer insights into alternative therapies such as nerve blocks, physical modalities like ultrasound therapy, or newer intervention methods that may not have been previously discussed.
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Physical Therapy (again): Although you mentioned previous PT was not effective, consider re-engaging with a physical therapist who specializes in wrist injuries. They may have new methods or stretch/strengthening regimes tailored for your specific condition to enhance recovery.
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Consideration of Alternative Opinions: Since you have a scheduled arthrogram MRI for comparative analysis, use this as an opportunity to gather more data for your next consultation. Bringing this information to another surgeon or specialist could give further clarity or lead to new treatment options.
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Explore New Surgical Options or Techniques: If your current specialists are suggesting potential treatments that seem drastic, such as removing the pinky bone, it’s essential to seek clarity on the rationale behind those options. Understanding potential consequences and the expected outcomes will help ensure you make an informed decision.
It’s commendable that you’re seeking further opinions; keep advocating for your health. You deserve solutions that improve your quality of life. If you have further questions or need additional clarification about any points, feel free to ask.
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