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Suggest Treatment For Wrist Pain
Question: Hi.
I was shoveling dirt a couple of hours ago and was trying to sever a tough root on a shrub. In doing so, I felt a severe pain in my right wrist that made me stop (over exertion) and it still hurts when i move it around. it does not feel like a broken bone but the pain is like a number 8,9 on a 10 point scale. I put ice on it, soaked it with epsom salt sol'n, and now have an 8hr heat pad wrapped around it. i keep the arm down by my side to reduce the pain. What should I do? Is it serious?
I was shoveling dirt a couple of hours ago and was trying to sever a tough root on a shrub. In doing so, I felt a severe pain in my right wrist that made me stop (over exertion) and it still hurts when i move it around. it does not feel like a broken bone but the pain is like a number 8,9 on a 10 point scale. I put ice on it, soaked it with epsom salt sol'n, and now have an 8hr heat pad wrapped around it. i keep the arm down by my side to reduce the pain. What should I do? Is it serious?
Brief Answer:
not likely broken, P.R.I.C.E MM
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is not likely broken because there was no direct trauma (eg a fall or struck ) to the area.
The muscles and tendons in the area may be strained , however.
In some cases, the pain may continue to increase till day 2 to 3 then reach a plateau.
'P. R.I.C.E MM- this is the treatment for soft tissue injuries
P: protect the area from further trauma
R: rest, avoid using it
I: It would be best to consider removal of the heat since it is an acute injury. In the initial stage (first 1 to 3 days), ice or cold compress is mainly used.
After the first few days, then warm therapy is used
C: compression bandage to reduce swelling, if necessary
E:It should also be elevated not kept down because can worsen swelling eventually because fluid would build up.
M- medication- continue the ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours. If this is not helpful then you can try aleve/naproxen
M: modalities such as physiotherapy. This is a long term treatment option
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
not likely broken, P.R.I.C.E MM
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is not likely broken because there was no direct trauma (eg a fall or struck ) to the area.
The muscles and tendons in the area may be strained , however.
In some cases, the pain may continue to increase till day 2 to 3 then reach a plateau.
'P. R.I.C.E MM- this is the treatment for soft tissue injuries
P: protect the area from further trauma
R: rest, avoid using it
I: It would be best to consider removal of the heat since it is an acute injury. In the initial stage (first 1 to 3 days), ice or cold compress is mainly used.
After the first few days, then warm therapy is used
C: compression bandage to reduce swelling, if necessary
E:It should also be elevated not kept down because can worsen swelling eventually because fluid would build up.
M- medication- continue the ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours. If this is not helpful then you can try aleve/naproxen
M: modalities such as physiotherapy. This is a long term treatment option
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks..
What are signs to think there could be nerve damage and when or what point should I go in to see a doctor if pain does not recede?
What are signs to think there could be nerve damage and when or what point should I go in to see a doctor if pain does not recede?
Brief Answer:
nerve injury not likely
Detailed Answer:
HI
There are different types of nerve damage from trauma varying from pressure applied to a nerve to the nerve being cut.
Pressure injuries resolve on their own within a few weeks. It is unlikely based on your description that a nerve would have been cut.
Any nerve damage would likely resolve on its own
Nerve injury can cause tingling, numbness or other abnormal sensations, if these are present then you can go to see your doctor
If there are no abnormal sensations, then you treat but if there is no improvement in symptoms after 5 days or there is worsening then you should see your doctor
If you are very concerned then you can see your doctor prior to this
nerve injury not likely
Detailed Answer:
HI
There are different types of nerve damage from trauma varying from pressure applied to a nerve to the nerve being cut.
Pressure injuries resolve on their own within a few weeks. It is unlikely based on your description that a nerve would have been cut.
Any nerve damage would likely resolve on its own
Nerve injury can cause tingling, numbness or other abnormal sensations, if these are present then you can go to see your doctor
If there are no abnormal sensations, then you treat but if there is no improvement in symptoms after 5 days or there is worsening then you should see your doctor
If you are very concerned then you can see your doctor prior to this
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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