sprained wrist still hurts after 6 weeks sprained wrist still hurts after 6 weeks

Alternate 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Leant backward on hand holding my son.Clear X-ray day of injury. Some may heal with rest, while others may need treatment and/or be chronic issues that have the potential to cause long-term pain in the wrist. A grade III sprain - completely torn or ruptured ligament. Staying in the game: Preventing common hand and wrist injuries in basketball [Blog]. That said, this time frame can change based on the severity of the injury or tear. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Your symptoms like pain and swelling should improve as soon as you start treatment. You may sprain your wrist if you fall onto an outstretched hand. Treatment typically involves resting the injured wrist and wearing a splint as needed until symptoms improve, which may take up to 6 weeks. If left untreated, the fracture may not heal properly and the patient could require a surgery that might have been avoided with early, appropriate treatment. Existing patients, click here. Often, the cause of a sprain is a sudden twist, impact, or movement that overstretches or pushes the wrist in a direction that it does not typically go. The doctors said it will pass and it isn't broken-just by looking at it. Wearing wrist guards or protective tape when participating in these activities will help support your wrist and can prevent it from bending too far backward if you fall. All rights reserved. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. X-rays are often taken. However, the sprain never fully healed. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Sometimes, a small piece of bone can be pulled off one of the wrist bones, called an avulsion. In other words, a person should avoid using their wrist, use an ice pack regularly, compress the wrist, and keep it elevated as much as possible. Most sprains are temporary injuries, and you should be able to return to all your usual activities as soon as your ligaments have healed. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. How should i treat my sprained hand/wrist after 6 weeks it is still very painful? Home remedies for a sprained wrist At home, you can treat a mild wrist sprain with the RICE method: Rest. Even a small slip or fall onto an outstretched hand can injure your wrist, but just how bad is it? Most sprains heal without any problems in six to twelve weeks. What is your thought about that? Wrist sprain still hurts after after 6 weeks. Overuse wrist injuries are also common in sports, such as racquet sports, gymnastics, golf, weightlifting, etc. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of wrist tendonitis here. Anyway, I sprained my wrist falling off my longboard about 6 weeks ago. Wrist jumped on with cleats. The injury may take longer to heal if you suffer from diabetes or if you smoke. Could you take ibuprofen or aspirin? Your healthcare provider will probably use a wrist X-ray to take pictures of your injured wrist ligaments and check for damage to your bones. The primary cause of a wrist sprain is from a fall on an outstretched hand. Simple sprains are 50-70% better in a week or 10 days. Ligaments are the strong connective tissues that connect bones to other bones. A sprained wrist can occur when a person partially injures a ligament in their wrist. Treatment for a wrist sprain depends upon the severity of the injury. All rights reserved. Other tests. However, recovery following surgery can take about 8 to 12 weeks or months (6 to 12 months) for a full recovery. But eventually that could create problems. First, it may occur after a lifetime of normal every-day use of the hand. It seems to be a commonly fractured area of all ages. Patients are encouraged to limit the use of the injured hand unless advised otherwise by the surgeon or physical therapists. Your doctor will talk with you about which option is best in your situation. How do you treat sprained hands and wrists? This is called immobilization and will hold your wrist in a neutral position while it heals. A sprain is typically caused by a traumatic injury to the wrist, such as a fall on an outstretched hand, but can also be caused by repetitive use of the wrist such as seen in athletes who play racket sports or people who place a lot of stress through the wrist joint (boxers, gymnasts, weightlifters). Antetokounmpo mostly refrained from playing . All Rights Reserved. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other commonly abused medications. The doctor may recommend imaging tests to improve diagnosis. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4514919/), (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31855358/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. The most common example of this is an occult fracture of the scaphoid, one of the small bones in the wrist. Usually, the more pain you have, the more severe your wrist sprain is and the longer it will . In some cases, if a sprained wrist does not improve after a period of waiting, your doctor may order additional imaging to see if there are injuries that cannot be seen on x-ray or during a physical exam. However, there are some steps a person can take to reduce their risk of injury. Surgery is more likely when a person has sustained a complete ligament tear. I do also have hypermobility in both of my wrists. Pressure: Press down on the area of the sprain to keep swelling down. Take only the recommended amount of medication. In work-related activities, the highest proportion of people with wrist injuries are in service industries, manufacturing, construction laborers, carpenters, etc. 1 doctor answer 2 doctors weighed in Share Dr. Francisco Schwartz-Fernandes answered 27 years experience You need a doctor: I need more details to answer. But an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper . Most wrist sprains are minor injuries after your wrist ligaments are stretched further than their limit. The most common symptoms of a sprained wrist include: Anything that puts enough force to stretch or twist your wrist ligaments too far can cause a wrist sprain. About 3% to 9% of sport-related injuries are wrist or hand injuries. If your wrist starts to hurt or swell long after a break, see your doctor for an evaluation. It can take several weeks for the wrist to heal. We look at symptoms, treatment, and how to feel more comfortable during, Wrist pain is a common complaint that can have many causes. A sprained wrist is usually caused by a fall or sudden twisting motion. It typically hurts when you try to move the wrist, grasp objects (especially heavy objects), or with twisting motions. Theyll insert tiny instruments to repair the wrist joint and its ligaments. It hurts, but you're still able to move your sprained joint and bear weight in the location. Surgery may involve a minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy. For example, a person may wish to squeeze a stress ball or other semisoft ball for 1520 seconds and repeat this three times per day to help strengthen the wrist. Dr. Knight is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship trained. For most people, a sprained wrist is both inconvenient and uncomfortable. Could it be more than a sprain? Over-the-counter pain medicine like NSAIDs or acetaminophen can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It felt as if my wrist was sprained & was painful for a few days. Symptoms of a wrist sprain are: Pain Swelling Tenderness and warmth around the injury Feeling a popping or tearing in the wrist Bruising Loss of motion Weakness To diagnose a wrist sprain,. Wrist tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon within the wrist. Your provider will diagnose your injury and suggest treatments thatll get you back to your usual activities as soon as possible. For severe wrist sprain involving a partial or a complete tear of the wrist ligament, an orthopedic surgeon will perform surgery on the wrist. This article covers everything a person needs to know about the symptoms, treatments, and recovery times associated with sprained wrists. Whether you get a sprained wrist from playing volleyball or slipping on the ice, the recovery process is the same. An x-ray showing a gap between the scaphoid and the lunate from a sprained wrist (right) and a normal x-ray of the opposite wrist (left). When the cast comes off, it is very common to have significant weakness and stiffness. A doctor will need to assess the injury and determine the best treatment options to prevent either more invasive treatment later or permanent damage to the wrist. Dr. Tyser: That's a great question. 2. This occurs when the wrist is bent or twisted forcefully, such as caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the wrist joint may help maintain alignment, and stretching may help prevent overstretching in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Similarly, an unrecognized (occult) fracture can be mistaken for a mild or moderate sprain. Could be strained/sprained, does she need to see a doc? Tell your provider what you were doing right before you injured your wrist and when you first noticed the pain. Even if it is just a sprain, its important to allow it to properly heal before resuming normal activity. I injured my wrist a week ago and it still hurts. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). All material on this website is protected by copyright. Articular cartilage and ligaments allow the bones of the wrist to slide along each other while in a proper position. Theyre naturally very flexible and tough. Ice: Fill a bag with ice and put it on the . A person may not easily be able to tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture, or break. Healing can often take several weeks, but recovery is usually excellent. With fingerless design, suitable for most kind of hands,wrist bands have super elasticity and breathability that makes your fingers and hands more comfortable Can I have done other damage? For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Minor sprains can heal in as few as 2 weeks. Dr. Miller: Do you have a wrist fracture and what do you do about that if you have one? Both the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend that a person contact their doctor if they believe that they have sprained their wrist. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Located out of the area? Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. (2020). How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, http://blog.handcare.org/blog/2020/10/12/how-to-know-if-you-have-a-sprained-wrist/, https://www.nebh.org/blog/staying-in-the-game-preventing-common-hand-and-wrist-injuries-in-basketball/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551514/, https://ehs.ucsc.edu/programs/ergo/wrist.html, https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/sprained-wrist, https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/wrist-fracture, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/wrist-sprains/, Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. Prescription pain medications are not usually recommended. A wrist splint or brace can be used to immobilize the wrist joint for up to two weeks. Included are details on how to recognize a sprain from a break. Is this still a sprain? Never stand on chairs, tables or countertops. That is, could you ice it? No. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Not sure what service you need or what injury or syndrome you may have? Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Lots of times people have a simple fall from ground level, sometimes slipping on the ice, sometimes falling off a bike. Wrist sprain six months ago. How to Treat a Sprained Wrist Dr. Miller: If you've fallen on your wrist and you think it may just be a strain, is there anything you should be doing between the time you decide that you need to see the doctor? Ice and a splint or gentle wrap may be helpful for the first few days after a wrist sprain. If the injury involves the tendons that cross the wrist joint or structures deep within the joint, further imaging may be needed such as a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or ultrasound. Kimball, H. (2015). It may not be possible to prevent all cases of sprained wrists. Dr. Knight is a renowned hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeon with over 25 years of experience. These provide stability to the joint and also aid movement of the wrist. And the first question is, this hurts, is it broken or not? Go to the emergency room if you experience trauma or think you have a broken bone. Because immobilization may cause some stiffness in your wrist, your doctor may recommend some stretching exercises to help you regain full mobility. If you have chronic pain, you may need surgery. This is usually a break of the distal radius, which is one of the two bones in the forearm. Athletes, busy parents, and active people of all types are often tempted to shake it off or tough it out, but this is not a good idea if you want your wrist to heal as quickly as possible. A physical and occupational therapist can help patients who have undergone surgery for wrist sprain to recover fully. If the pain is significant, you could try some over the counter pain . Continuing to use your wrist after it is sprained may prolong your injury and lead to more pain and discomfort. Visit a healthcare provider to make sure you didnt damage the bones or other tissue in your wrist when you were hurt. To treat a sprain, start with ice. Ligaments form the connections between the different bones in the wrist (Figure 1). This website also contains material copyrighted by third parties. A grade II sprain - more serious but still incomplete ligament tear, with some joint looseness. Wrist sprains are one of the most common injuries people experience. originally published: April 3, 2016. A sprain is a partial injury to a ligament. But wrist fractures you might go on for awhile with a swollen wrist and use it, not as much as you're used to. Symptoms A jammed finger is characterized by swelling and stiffness. Specifically: A grade 3 tear requires medical attention. Dr. Pietro Seni answered Orthopedic Surgery 49 years experience Need x-ray or MRI: They are several possible reasons:occult fracture, ligamentous damage, inflamed tendons.Usually diagnostic studies such as x-ras and MRI are needed to confirm a diagnosis. The hand is of constant use for various activities. What would you recommend? It's on the thumb side of the wrist and about an inch or so right before your wrist bends. Wrist hurts when moved and moving fingers. Ligaments of the wrist are injured with a sprained wrist. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/sprained-wrist). I tried catching myself with my hand and I think my wrist stretched too far forward. This makes the joint and ligaments show up more clearly on an imaging study. Redness and warmth are often observed in recently sprained wrists. This is especially important if the injury causes persistent wrist pain. I saw the doctor the day after I hurt my wrist. What could be the issue. A sprained wrist happens when something stretches your wrist ligaments enough to damage them. Get news & offers from Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, Mayo Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Follow the RICE method as soon as you notice pain or other symptoms: Visit a healthcare provider if your symptoms dont start getting better a few days after starting at-home treatments. Dr. Tyser: Sometimes it's really obvious. Although x-ray will not show the ligaments, it can be used to rule out other diagnoses. Immediate pain,couldnt move.4 days later can move but still very painful to touch and bit swollen. More severe sprains happen when you tear a ligament. However, in many cases the wrist looks pretty normal, maybe a little bit swollen and it's not as clear. updated: May 18, 2018 A person can sprain their wrist through sudden movements, by falling, or during contact sports. Look for inflammation. I now almost have complete use of my wrist. You can usually treat a sprained wrist at home with rest, ice, compression and over-the-counter medicine. A person should talk with their doctor if they suspect that they have injured their wrist. Falls (especially catching yourself from a fall with outstretched hands). The pain occurs in the location of the injury and is often felt in multiple locations around the joint. I have severe, constant pain in my thumb that has worsened. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This is especially true for athletes who do repetitive motions or other activities that strain the wrists. Dont rush your recovery. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that hold your bones together. They will likely examine the persons wrist and have the person perform movement tests to check for pain and mobility issues. Turn on a heating pad or soak a towel in hot water. Wrist sprains are common injuries. Avoid activities or sports that might cause trauma to the wrist. According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the two most common ligaments that people sprain are the scapholunate ligament (which is located in the middle of the wrist) and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (which is located near the outside of the wrist). People can often expect to feel at least somewhat better within 6 weeks. If pain and swelling persist for more than 48 hours, however, see a doctor. Because so many factors can lead to wrist pain, diagnosing the exact cause can be difficult. Start by clicking on the image below. Sprains, Strains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries. Cookie Notice All clinical services and programs are part of University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics. I sprained both of my wrists 4 months ago, they still continuley hurt, why is that? For non-surgical wrist sprain, recovery usually takes a short time (about 1 to 2 weeks). I have severe, constant pain in my thumb that has worsened over the past 24 hours. A wrist sprain is an injury to the capsule and ligaments surrounding the wrist joint. Your doctor will examine your wrist to see where it hurts and to check how it moves. I am experiencing wrist pain. Some specific causes of sprained wrists can include: According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, outdoor activities and sports are common causes of injuries to the wrists. Treatment without surgery may be appropriate in a predynamic injury, or a mild sprain of the scapholunate ligament without changes on x-rays. Is this a sprain? Have sprained wrist in the past few years. For most people, a sprained wrist is both inconvenient and uncomfortable. Dr. Tyser: I would and I think that's a good summary of the recommendations. Although the ligament usually heals in 8 to 12 weeks, it can take from 6 to 12 months for a full recovery. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. pain that worsens when you . A person should also wear a splint to help immobilize the joint. Its rare to need surgery for a sprained wrist. The proximal wrist bones articulate with the radius and ulna, while the distal carpal bones connect with the metacarpals. There's popping too. Pain and swelling can develop over several days and may last anywhere from a few days to six weeks. He or she will want to know how and when your current injury occurred and will ask you to describe your symptoms, including whether you have any numbness in your hand or pain in any other locations. Would you fall on an outstretched hand? He or she will then examine your entire hand and arm to make sure you have no other injuries. A sprained wrist happens when something stretches your wrist ligaments enough to damage them. Hi, I'm Dr. Tom Miller and I'm here with Dr. Andrew Tyser and he is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand care and hand surgery. Could it be scaphoid fracture? A person can typically treat a sprained wrist with minimal medical intervention. Dr. Tyser: I think typically for people that do have a wrist fracture who initially don't realize it, they'll come to realize that within the first few days, within a week I would say. Arthritis is a condition in which the cartilage on the ends of bones breaks down, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in a joint. New patients can schedule an appointment online and fill out your patient information to save time. Someone slamed a door on my wrist my wrist went back a little and doctors said its sprained been 2 weeks now still hurts bad and it pops bad? Knowing what to do, and what not to do, after sustaining this type of injury may help you heal faster and help prevent future injuries. There are a couple of other smaller bones in the wrist that also sometimes get broken, but they're a little bit less common. Give your body time to rest and recover after intense activity. A cold therapy system is more effective than ice packs and more convenient because the system does everything for you by providing consistent therapeutic cold and active compression at the same time. But if the fall or accident that sprained your wrist caused other injuries, you might need surgery to repair the damage. Sprains of the wrist are fairly rare in everyday life and in the workplace. This type of compression brace, or taping, supports the wrist by applying additional compression at the far end of the radius and ulna to assist with preventing spreading of these two bones. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? Is it red? Wrist pain has a lot of possible causes, including a sprain, tendonitis, arthritis, and fractures. There are many ligaments in the wrist that can be sprained. X-rays showed no broken bones. What should I do if I hurt my wrist golfing, possibly sprained, 3 weeks ago, never treated it or iced it, and it still hurts. Up-to-date information sent to your inbox. But wrist pain also can result from long-term problems, such as repetitive stress, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. I went to express care and they took x rays of my wrist they said it was sprained and put me in a brace i think it is broke or fractured because it still hurts and i can kinda move my hand in the brace but it still hurts ? Often, treatment can consist of applying ice, resting, and taking over-the-counter pain relief medications. Consider immobilizing your wrist with a brace or splint to prevent movement in the joint. Dr. Miller: And there are certain parts of the wrist that become fractured, the back, the front, one of the particular bones. The proximal wrist bones articulate with the, The hand is of constant use for various activities. Wrist pain may feel sharp, dull, achy, or like pins and needles. A sprained wrist is often swollen and painful, especially with motion. Learn. For how long? This may generally be a good idea; however, taking too much medication may cause unwanted side effects and potentially be unsafe. I sprained my wrist over a month ago, I have been using a wrist splint but it still hurts extremely bad. Talk to your provider before resuming physical activities or playing sports. 7 mo sprain wrist that is still very painful. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. For example, people can take the following preventive steps: It may also help to perform strengthening exercises to help prevent injury. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. If symptoms do not improve after a reasonable period of time, additional imaging may be ordered to look for a more serious injury. Many people choose to take over-the-counter medications to help relieve the pain and swelling caused by a sprained wrist. Taking too much medication may also dull the pain to the point that your symptoms are masked. Feb 23, 2023. Knowing what to do, and what not to do, after sustaining this type of injury may help you heal faster and help prevent future injuries. The ligaments in the wrist help to keep the bones in proper position and stabilize the joint. This can help prevent swelling and additional injuries to the wrist. In some individuals, the wrist will become swollen and tender with ecchymosis (bruising with blue-black discoloration). Tenderness in certain areas may also be consistent with a broken bone. Dr. Tyser: Exactly. You might also need magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan. Welcome. Rheumatoid arthritis, gout and other forms of arthritis can make wrists tender and swollen. There are eight (8) carpal bones in the wrist and these bones are arranged in two rows. In this weather condition, the ground is slippery and the chance of a slip is high. Or if it's not a bad fracture sometimes just a splint placed and are advised to follow up with an orthopedic hand doctor. Appointments 216.444.2606 Appointments & Locations If not a lot better in 7-10 days seek medical attention and demand an xRay. Dont play through the pain if your wrist hurts during or after physical activity. A person will typically experience pain when they sprain their wrist. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Mild swelling could be visible and bruising might develop in more severe injuries. Rest: Move your thumb as little as possible to keep the sprain from getting worse. Diagnosis Your doctor will examine your wrist to see where it hurts and to check how it moves. I think it really depends on the community and also the training of the person taking care of the fracture. In the case of a severe wrist sprain with either a partial or complete ligament tear, it is important that the patient is referred to a specialist, particularly a hand and wrist surgeon. After evaluating the hand and reviewing symptoms, the doctor will determine if the patients can continue treatment in an urgent care facility or be referred to a hand surgeon or specialist for further treatment. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Will I need to immobilize my wrist? A wrist sprain can occur when the ligaments that stabilize the wrist bones become stretched beyond their normal elastic limit. Dr. Tyser: That's a great question. X-rays may be obtained to rule out a fracture, joint instability, or arthritis of the wrist. And many of these fractures are able to be treated with conservative measures, such as casting or even splinting. Resting the wrist by reducing normal activity using the injured arm relieve pain. Dr. Miller: Now there are many bones in the hand and sometimes if you have a fracture it may not be quite obvious and I think that's one of the things you were saying. What should I do if I hurt my wrist golfing, possibly sprained, 3 weeks ago, never treated it or iced it, and it still hurts. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend using the RICE method. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. I went to express care and they took x rays of my wrist they said it was sprained and put me in a brace i think it is broke or fractured because it still hurts and i can kinda move my hand in the brace but it still hurts ? MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. The duration of the swelling will depend upon how. The doctor will likely need to reassess the wrist and recommend additional therapies, such as surgery. Most wrist sprains are minor injuries after your wrist ligaments are stretched further than their limit. That's the typical area that breaks. I saw the doctor the day after I hurt my wrist. But wrist pain can also result from long-term problems, such as repetitive stress, . X-rays are often taken. You need to be evaluated with xrays, because several things could have happened. It's not swollen, and she has full rom. Surgery is followed by a period of rehabilitation that includes exercises to strengthen your wrist and restore range of motion. Ask your provider how often you should wear a brace or splint, and how long youll need to wear it. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.