What Causes Radiating Pain On The Hand While Rotating The Wrist?

Posted on Wed, 26 Apr 2017

Question: Feb 26,2017 I had emergency repair a displaced Type III fracture of the right radial head. The Ortho Truma Surgeon called it a Monteggia Fracture. I now have an artificial radial head and webbing holding everything together. I am starting my 4th week (2x/week) of physical therapy and have a 50% to 90% improvement in ROM and strength respectively and have just been cleared to begin cautiously lifting, pulling and pushing light objects. I'm doing very well except for one thing. when I rotate my wrist so the thumb is up I experience extreme pain starting at the back of my hand traveling up the radius side of my forearm to about 3/4 of the way to the elbow. The muscles cramp painfully. Recent x-rays and a visit to my Surgeon was normal and encouraging in every other way. Do you have any other insight regarding why this particular movement results in such extreme pain?

I have discussed this with both my Surgeon and my PT. The answer has been lots of damage and inflamed tendons. Still, wondering......

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tendon inflammation only.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You had an extensive surgery on your elbow just 6 weeks back. The healing will take some time and it may involve an inflammation of the tendons at the elbow. Pain only on a specific movement suggests a particular tendon inflammation. No nerve compression as strength is alright. No need to worry.
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

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