Ligament, cartilage
If your wrist ligament and cartilage injury has not healed after more than four months, it is advisable to avoid activities that involve compression and rotation.
Performing movements that stretch the wrist, such as placing your palm against your back and pulling, may exacerbate pain on the ulnar side and could potentially worsen inflammation in the affected tissues.
It is recommended to allow adequate healing time before engaging in any compressive or rotational movements.
Consulting with a healthcare professional for a tailored rehabilitation plan would be beneficial.
Thank you.
Mr. Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/09
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Let him improve a bit before performing any compression maneuvers.
Reply Date: 2016/04/09
More Info
When managing wrist ligament and cartilage injuries, particularly after four months of recovery, it is crucial to approach rehabilitation with caution. The wrist is a complex joint, and injuries to its ligaments and cartilage can lead to prolonged pain and dysfunction if not managed properly.
In general, the healing process for ligament and cartilage injuries can take several months, and during this time, the body undergoes various stages of healing. Initially, the focus should be on reducing inflammation and allowing the tissues to heal. This often involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE method). After the acute phase, which typically lasts a few days to a week, gentle range-of-motion exercises may be introduced to prevent stiffness.
Applying pressure or rotating the wrist too soon can exacerbate inflammation and delay healing. If you experience pain, especially on the ulnar side (the side of the wrist closest to the little finger) when performing movements like pulling your palm towards your back, it is a sign that the tissues may still be irritated or not fully healed. Pain during movement is often an indicator that the injury is not ready for that level of stress.
Here are some key considerations for managing your wrist injury:
1. Listen to Your Body: If a movement causes pain, it is essential to stop and reassess. Pushing through pain can lead to further injury and prolong recovery.
2. Gradual Progression: Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, you can gradually introduce more challenging movements. Start with gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises, and only progress to more intense activities when you can perform them without pain.
3. Strengthening Exercises: After you regain some range of motion without pain, you can begin strengthening exercises. These should be done cautiously and should not provoke pain. Resistance bands or light weights can be beneficial, but always start with low resistance.
4. Consult a Physical Therapist: A physical therapist can provide a tailored rehabilitation program that considers your specific injury and recovery stage. They can guide you on when to introduce pressure and rotation safely.
5. Use of Supports: Depending on the severity of your injury, using a wrist brace or support during activities may help stabilize the joint and prevent further injury.
6. Avoid High-Impact Activities: Activities that put excessive strain on the wrist, such as heavy lifting or high-impact sports, should be avoided until you have fully healed.
7. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If you notice increased swelling, pain, or any new symptoms, it may be necessary to reduce activity and consult your healthcare provider.
In summary, while some movement is necessary for recovery, it is essential to avoid any actions that cause pain or discomfort. Focus on gentle movements and strengthening exercises as tolerated, and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Healing takes time, and patience is key to ensuring a full recovery without long-term complications.
Similar Q&A
Understanding Wrist Pain: Muscle Strain or Ligament Injury?
Experiencing pain and weakness when rotating the left wrist could indicate either a muscle strain or a ligament injury. It is important to assess the specific symptoms and any accompanying signs, such as swelling or bruising, to determine the exact cause. For initial management...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Injuries to tendons or ligaments near the joints can be difficult to distinguish, but the treatment methods are similar. 2. Rest is the most important treatment approach. If the pain is seve...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Pain: Muscle Strain or Ligament Injury?
Managing Wrist Ligament Laxity After Scaphoid Fracture Healing
After healing from a scaphoid fracture in the wrist (without surgery), the ulnar and palmar ligaments near the wrist have become lax, causing painful movement of the load-bearing cartilage. Since you are engaged in heavy work, aside from rehabilitation, are there any other method...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
In addition to rehabilitation, there doesn't seem to be any specific methods. If the ligaments are indeed very lax, using braces for stabilization or protection may help improve the situation. Furthermore, it may be advisable to consult a physician to see if surgical interve...[Read More] Managing Wrist Ligament Laxity After Scaphoid Fracture Healing
Understanding Wrist Ligament Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Risks
Hello, how can I determine if there is an injury to the wrist ligaments, and what tests should I undergo? What is the difference between a complete ligament tear and a partial tear? What are the different treatment options? If surgery is not performed, what potential complication...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Netizens, Wrist ligament injuries are very common in the wrist area, but making an accurate diagnosis clinically can be quite challenging. This is due to the complex structure of wrist ligaments, which consist of many ligaments of various sizes. Among wrist ligament injurie...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Ligament Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Risks
Managing Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears: Treatment Options and Recovery
Last month, I experienced wrist pain due to a car accident, likely from bracing myself with my wrist during the fall. Since a month has passed and the pain persists, I visited an orthopedic doctor. The doctor confirmed that there are no bone injuries, but the wrist hurts when pre...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It is more appropriate to seek treatment from a hand surgeon at a medical center, as non-surgical options may not lead to improvement.[Read More] Managing Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears: Treatment Options and Recovery
Related FAQ
(Orthopedics)
Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation(Orthopedics)
Radial And Ulnar Fracture(Orthopedics)
Ankle Sprain(Orthopedics)
Elbow Dislocation(Orthopedics)
Metacarpal Fracture(Orthopedics)
Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation(Orthopedics)
Post-Ankle Ligament Surgery(Orthopedics)
Clavicle Fracture(Orthopedics)
Tendon Rupture(Orthopedics)