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What Causes Persistent Pain And Swelling In The Wrist After A Fall?

Posted on Wed, 19 Apr 2017

Question: On March 11th I fell and hurt my wrist and it swelled up and hurt pretty bad. The next day it was better but still pretty sore. It continued to get a little better but still was sort of sore round my wrist on the side of the thumb. Moving certain ways such as laying it flat and applying hardly any weight hurt. Just stretching it in that position hurts a little. It hurts slightly in other movements as well. It's not enough to where I can't function but noticeable. I went to the ER the 18th a week from the injury and they didn't see any fractures in the X-ray and sent me to an orthopedic just incase because where it hurt and the issues with a scaphoid diagnosis. Well I saw the orthopedic yesterday and they did another X-ray and examined it very quickly. He asked if certain things hurt and on one of the test he pushed down on it and I said idk maybe a little bit and he said you would know if it hurt. He said he doesn't think it's broke but he could be wrong but really doesn't think so. He was in and out so quick so I'm just nervous it could be misdiagnosed which maybe I'm just paranoid because of all the reading I have done online about fractured scaphoids. Well I'm going back for a second opinion by one of the other doctors there on April 4th just to make sure. What is your opinion, do you think it's unlikely for a orthopedic hand surgeon to misdiagnosis a scaphoid fracture? Because if it's not a fracture why would it still be a little sore two weeks later?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Fracture not likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A fractured scaphoid hurts very bad if direct pressure is put on the snuff box area. A hand surgeon is not likely to misdiagnose a scaphoid fracture. The persistent mild pain that you are having is likely to be due to sprain or tendonitis. This usually gradually subsides in 2-3 weeks. You can use an elastic wrist brace for an extra support.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (13 minutes later)

Thanks a lot! I figured he would be able to tell but I guess from reading all of the stuff online how they are hard to usually diagnose made me paranoid. I currently have it in a splint which helps with some of the pain. However when I take it out is when I feel it. Should I avoid doing any movements that cause the pain or ignore it?
Should I try icing it as well?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hot compress will help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Avoid the painful movements and let it heal. You can do a hot compress for earlier relief.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 days later)

Hello, I think he splint is helping some. It's still hurts but I think it is improving some. However I think the area has a small bruise around the Palm area of the base of my thumb. It bruised when the injury first happened but the bruises went away. Is it it normally for a bruise to appear two weeks after the injury?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Bruise can get darkened later.

Detailed Answer:
A small bruise is suggestive of an internal bleeding in the area and sometimes the bruise becomes prominent later due to skin color changes associated with it. No need to worry.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad