sprained wrist still hurts after 6 weeks
It definitely hurts and there will be prolonged pain and swelling. You should see a doctor if your pain started after a fall or other traumatic event, if the joint is hot or swollen, if you have trouble moving the wrist, or if your pain persists after stopping the aggravating activities. However, there are some steps a person can take to reduce their risk of injury. But eventually that could create problems. Ligaments form the connections between the different bones in the wrist (Figure 1). I need more details to answer. Nerve or blood vessel damage. A physical and occupational therapist can help patients who have undergone surgery for wrist sprain to recover fully. Mild swelling could be visible and bruising might develop in more severe injuries. 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. More severe sprains happen when you tear a ligament. But wrist pain can also result from long-term problems, such as repetitive stress, . For athletes, sprains and other injuries to the wrist or hand account for 3% to 9% of all sports . Most wrist sprains have a positive prognosis. Learn about sprained fingers, an injury that causes pain in one or more of the fingers. When a sprain occurs, a person will likely feel pain and may have symptoms such as swelling or bruising in the affected area. However, it may take six to twelve months for your symptoms to settle completely, these can include pain or discomfort, stiffness, swelling, and decreased strength. The doctor can recommend treatments and check for possible broken bones. Trauma to the wrist can injure adjacent nerves and blood vessels. This occurs when the wrist is bent or twisted forcefully, such as caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. You may sprain your wrist if you fall onto an outstretched hand. Sometimes, a sprained wrist can pull off a tiny piece of bone. And if there is a fracture, you'd advise them to see an orthopedic hand surgeon. Dr. Miller: How would somebody know if they might have a wrist fracture versus a sprain of the wrist? I sprained my litle finger six weeks ago and its still swollen and hurts my whole side of hamd till wrist when I use it. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Sometimes, a small piece of bone can be pulled off one of the wrist bones, called an avulsion. Make sure your home and workspace are free of clutter that could trip you or others. Could be strained/sprained, does she need to see a doc? All clinical services and programs are part of University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics. In work-related activities, the highest proportion of people with wrist injuries are in service industries, manufacturing, construction laborers, carpenters, etc. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, bruising and loss of strength or stability are common with mild (grade 1) to moderate (grade 2) wrist sprains. I have severe, constant pain in my thumb that has worsened. Keep your arm elevated and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Other tests. Pain and swelling can develop over several days and may last anywhere from a few days to six weeks. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Dr. Miller: Is the distal radius closer to the thumb or the little finger? Treatment for a wrist sprain depends upon the severity of the injury. 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. In severe cases, the ligament can be, 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, Rettig, Arthur C. Athletic Injuries of the Wrist and Hand., Harvard Health Publishing. Consultant Cardiologist. Although x-ray will not show the ligaments, it can be used to rule out other diagnoses. Home remedies for a sprained wrist At home, you can treat a mild wrist sprain with the RICE method: Rest. Symptoms A jammed finger is characterized by swelling and stiffness. Its named after British comic Terry Thomas because the gap in the wrist bones resembles the gap between Terry Thomas front teeth. This website also contains material copyrighted by third parties. I sprained my wrist 2 days ago and I took off the bandage today (48 hours later ) it still hurts ? They will likely examine the persons wrist and have the person perform movement tests to check for pain and mobility issues. Specifically: A grade 3 tear requires medical attention. 50 North Medical Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84132. A person should also wear a splint to help immobilize the joint. This may generally be a good idea; however, taking too much medication may cause unwanted side effects and potentially be unsafe. Fortunately, the solution to this is simply to keep slowly working with the wrist and trying to use it. updated: May 18, 2018 Surgery is more likely when a person has sustained a complete ligament tear. Sprained wrist: Symptoms, treatments, recovery time, and more Dr. Tyser: And we see that quite a bit in our clinic as well as in the emergency room or urgent care centers. 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? Existing patients, click here. Moving the fingers may help prevent them from becoming stiff. Similarly, an unrecognized (occult) fracture can be mistaken for a mild or moderate sprain. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Both types of injury can produce pain, swelling, bruising, and warmth around the affected area. How do the patients make their way to you after they're diagnosed with a fracture? If you have chronic pain, you may need surgery. Wrist sprain still hurts after after 6 weeks. : r/AskDocs - reddit 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. It hurts, mildly, if I bend it in any direction. More severe sprains can take 6 to 12 weeks, or longer. The wrist is a joint that comprises the carpal bones. Dr. Miller: How long before a wrist fracture heals typically? A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that hold your bones together. 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. These provide stability to the joint and also aid movement of the wrist. Your surgeon will make a small incision (cut) and insert a small camera (arthroscope) to look at your bones and ligaments. Sprains are graded, depending on the degree of injury to the ligaments: Wrist sprains are caused most often by a fall onto an outstretched hand. sprained wrist typically heal well, with minimal or no long-term symptoms. Warm up before playing sports or working out. 28F, I went snowboarding 2 weeks ago and wore wrist guards, but still fell on my hands/wrists quite a bit. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. The length of the recovery process and your outcomes will depend on the severity of the sprain. What could be the issue. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. That is, could you ice it? Tenderness in certain areas may also be consistent with a broken bone. A wrist splint or brace can be used to immobilize the wrist joint for up to two weeks. Use a cane or walker if you have difficulty walking or have an increased risk for falls. I injured my wrist a week ago and it still hurts. Expert Answers: Wrist pain is often caused by sprains or fractures from sudden injuries. Dr. Miller: So to summarize, it sounds like if you have a fall and your wrist really hurts or is immobile or the pain lasts and the swelling is lasting longer than three days, you probably ought to have that checked out, have an X-ray. Carpal ligament injuries, pathomechanics, and classification. We avoid using tertiary references. Dr. Tyser: Sometimes it's really obvious. That's the typical area that breaks. Wrist pain is often caused by sprains or fractures from sudden injuries. But wrist fractures you might go on for awhile with a swollen wrist and use it, not as much as you're used to. Or go to the doctor for an X-ray? Wrist hurts when moved and moving fingers. Up-to-date information sent to your inbox. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Its rare to need surgery for a sprained wrist. I have severe, constant pain in my thumb that has worsened over the past 24 hours. Many times the sequence of events is patients suspects they have a wrist fracture, they're evaluated in either an emergency room or urgent care center. Should you ice and elevate the injury? About OrthoInfoEditorial Board Our ContributorsOur Subspecialty Partners Contact Us, Privacy PolicyTerms & Conditions Linking Policy AAOS Newsroom Find an FAAOS Surgeon. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? severe pain. Doctoral Degree. Is it just not mobile? Find a doctor or location close to you so you can get the health care you need, when you need it. The muscles and tendons will return to normal over a period of several weeks. Or should they? 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. A person should talk with their doctor about how long it may take for them to recover and when it is safe for them to return to their normal activities. Try not to do activities that involve your. This is especially true for athletes who do repetitive motions or other activities that strain the wrists. Wrist sprains usually take from 2 to 10 weeks to heal, but some take longer. Could it be more than a sprain? This may involve a wrist brace or a cast for 2-6 weeks, minimizing activity that causes pain such a tight gripping or pushing, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. But wrist pain also can result from long-term problems, such as repetitive stress, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. More severe injuries may require open surgery. Sprains, Strains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries. Although an x-ray will not show the ligaments themselves, it can suggest a ligament injury if the wrist bones do not line up correctly. Whether you've strained or sprained your wrist, it hurts either way If pain and swelling persist for more than 48 hours, however, see a doctor. blunt trauma from a fall, hit, or other force, a popping or tearing feeling inside the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes aching, numbness and weakness. Why is there a throbbing pain in my wrist? - floreseagle.youramys.com A person can sprain their wrist through sudden movements, by falling, or during contact sports. Get news & offers from Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, Mayo Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. A person should talk with their doctor if they suspect that they have injured their wrist. Today, most people arent familiar with Terry Thomas. Nobody checked my right hand although i have always complained about it. Wrist injuries are common and can happen to anyone during everyday activities. You can usually treat a sprained wrist at home with rest, ice, compression and over-the-counter medicine. Ligaments support the wrist by linking the bones that make up the joint. This can improve with light stretching. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. I saw the doctor the day after I hurt my wrist. Last medically reviewed on December 21, 2020. However, there is a fairly significant subset of them do require surgery and in this same sense as far as time goes, it's about a six week recovery also, as far as the bones healing. A sprained wrist is painful. New patients can schedule an appointment online and fill out your patient information to save time. from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, A feeling of popping or tearing inside the wrist. 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. By contrast, a sprained wrist affects a persons ligaments. Located out of the area? Dont play through the pain if your wrist hurts during or after physical activity. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend using the RICE method. How do I treat my sprained hand/wrist? Treatment typically involves resting the injured wrist and wearing a splint as needed until symptoms improve, which may take up to 6 weeks. X-ray imaging will show bone fractures and wrist bones alignment. 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. Dr. Tyser: About six weeks. First, it may occur after a lifetime of normal every-day use of the hand. Dr. Tyser: I would and I think that's a good summary of the recommendations. How long does it take to heal? Wrist hurts 3 weeks after fallis it normal? - MedHelp YHOUMEW Thumb Compression Arthritis Gloves (1 Pair),Breathable Wrist It typically hurts when you try to move the wrist, grasp objects (especially heavy objects), or with twisting motions. Sprained thumb: Treatment, recovery, and symptoms - Medical News Today Simple sprains are 50-70% better in a week or 10 days. Under certain weather conditions, such as during ice storms or after a snowfall, a wrist sprain is commonly caused by a fall in which a person lands on outstretched arm. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Is it swollen? If more information is needed, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computerized tomography (CT) scan, or arthrogram may also be ordered. This can help prevent swelling and additional injuries to the wrist. originally published: April 3, 2016. It's on the thumb side of the wrist and about an inch or so right before your wrist bends. For mild wrist sprain involving a stretched ligament, non-surgical treatment can be administered. Several Bucks set to return after layoffs; Giannis' status uncertain Wrist pain has a lot of possible causes, including a sprain, tendonitis, arthritis, and fractures. Because so many factors can lead to wrist pain, diagnosing the exact cause can be difficult. (iced in the 3rd week). 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 ? Prescription pain medications are not usually recommended. How to Tell if Your Wrist Is Sprained: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Is My Wrist Sprained or Fractured? | University of Utah Health Wrist Sprain., www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/wrist-sprain-a-to-z, Sprained Wrist Treatment, Symptoms & Prevention.. I do also have hypermobility in both of my wrists. An x-ray can also help your doctor rule out a broken bone in your wrist. Your body needs time to heal. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. X-rays are often taken. Wrist pain may feel sharp, dull, achy, or like pins and needles. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4514919/), (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31855358/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Pressure: Press down on the area of the sprain to keep swelling down. 2018American Society for Surgery of the Hand. If it doesn't, the injury is likely a sprain rather than a fracture, and it should heal on its own after a week or two. In that case it's pretty obviously going to be a wrist fracture. However, the sprain never fully healed. Now, it's probably a 2 on the pain scale. Dr. Tyser: Right where your wrist bends. The Terry Thomas sign is a nickname for the extra space that opens between your wrist bones after some types of sprains. What be? Continuing to use your wrist after it is sprained may prolong your injury and lead to more pain and discomfort. Most wrist sprains are minor injuries after your wrist ligaments are stretched further than their limit. Or can these fractures be handled by a general practitioner? A sprained wrist is often swollen and painful, especially with motion. Diagnosis Your doctor will examine your wrist to see where it hurts and to check how it moves. Minor sprains can heal in as few as 2 weeks. 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). With mild injuries, stiffness is normal once the ligament begins to heal. MRI scan and CT scan aided by an arthrogram, a special dye that can be injected into the wrist joint to assess ligament tears, can be used to obtain accurate pictures of the wrist and ligaments. A thumb may become sprained when the joint is stressed or overextended. What are the common ways that we get wrist fractures? Cookie Notice A wrist sprain is an injury to the capsule and ligaments surrounding the wrist joint. X-rays are taken and sure enough unfortunately they have a wrist fracture. It may not be possible to prevent all cases of sprained wrists. It felt as if my wrist was sprained & was painful for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medicine like NSAIDs or acetaminophen can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Dont play sports or do any activity that can put more stress on your wrist. How do you treat sprained hands and wrists? Sprains of the wrist are fairly rare in everyday life and in the workplace. What would you recommend? They can range from mild to severe, depending on how much damage there is to the ligaments. How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Wrist Sprain? Dr. Tyser: That's a great question. However, if they cannot tell whether the person has broken or sprained their wrist, they will likely order an imaging test, such as an X-ray. However, recovery following surgery can take about 8 to 12 weeks or months (6 to 12 months) for a full recovery. The wrist may look like it's not straight. A sprained wrist is usually treated without surgery.