Wrist pain.

kelliewrx · 09-01-2007, 10:57 PM

I have been having wrist pain on and off for the last year. When it's at its worst, it is extremely painful for me to move my wrist into certain positions, and it is constantly sore. When it's at its best, it is just weak and hurts to do things like push heavy doors open.

I finally went to a doctor yesterday to discuss it, and he said it sounded like a sprain and to wear a brace for the next month, and he has restricted me to light duty work only. I am an automotive technician by trade, so my work is very physical and I rely heavily on my wrists. The brace and restriction are going to cost me money and cause some problems.

I'm also unsure what sort of exercises I should and shouldn't do. What sort of things will really aggravate my injury? Is there anything that I can do that is GOOD for it?

I have my doubts about the doctor's diagnosis. I asked why my "sprain" has been bothering me for an entire year, and he said it's likely that once it starts healing, I keep hurting it again since I use my wrist so often. It definitely isn't bone pain, so he could be right, but I really didn't think sprains lasted so long. It doesn't feel sprained. The pain is directly under my pointer finger on the top of my hand/wrist. When I flex my hand in either direction, especially down, it hurts. What do you guys think?

kelliewrx · 09-02-2007, 10:42 AM

Bump. 20 views, no replies...

mjemirzian · 09-02-2007, 11:14 AM

Sounds like some kind of carpal tunnel syndrome or 'itis' related to your computer use or your line of work. You might need surgery if it's gone on for as long as you've let it.

I don't think it's a sprain.. but of course I'm not a dr. :P

Avila · 09-02-2007, 11:43 AM

I think you should get your doctor to help you get on dissability for a month or 2. I do not know what type of benefits you have at your job, but normally you may got on dissability and get paid a little while you are off.

as for your wrist...
try supplementing with glucosamine (any joint supplements)

Buy wrist wraps (they are much better than just getting wrist bands)... the wraps keep your hands in place and can help ease the pain since your wrists are secure. *** this is if you are planing to keep working***... although remember that they make cut your circulation when you have them on for quite a while.

you can try also tiger balm's arthritis rub (its liquidy)... or any icy hot analgesic for pain relief.

ps... I think you need to rest your wrist somehow, if your job is in the way try my first advice.

and did you get an MRI? I do not think it is/was just a simple sprain.

kelliewrx · 09-02-2007, 11:56 AM

Thank you for the replies. My dad also suggested the disability route, I think I'll be looking into it.

I have been wearing a wrist brace since Friday and it helps tremendously. The only thing is that when I take it off, it hurts more than usual to move my wrist.

I didn't get an MRI. The doctor spent 10 minutes with me at the most, and made his diagnosis after bending my hand in all different directions and pressing in various spots. He offered to do an x-ray, but said he wasn't expecting to find much, so I opted not to do one.

I have some glucosamine, but I haven't been taking it. I will definitely start again.

Thanks again for the ideas.