Wrist Pain: Causes and When to Seek X-Ray Evaluation - Orthopedics

More Info

---

Wrist pain, especially following an injury, can be a complex issue that may involve various structures such as bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced an acute injury to your wrist about a year ago when you fell during a physical education class. Initially, you had pain and limited range of motion, which improved somewhat after treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. However, you are now experiencing a popping or clicking sensation (described as "ㄎㄧㄚㄎㄧㄚㄎㄧㄚ") when you rotate your wrist, along with pain during activities like basketball.


Possible Causes of Your Wrist Pain
1. Ligament Injury: The initial fall could have caused a sprain or tear in the ligaments of the wrist. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones, and if they are damaged, they can lead to instability and pain.

2. Tendonitis: Overuse of the wrist, especially with activities like basketball, can lead to tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendons. This can cause pain and a sensation of weakness or clicking.

3. Cartilage Damage: The wrist has cartilage that can be damaged during an injury. This can lead to joint instability and pain, especially with certain movements.

4. Wrist Joint Instability: If the ligaments were not fully healed or if there was a significant injury, you might have developed wrist instability, which can cause the clicking sound you hear when moving your wrist.

5. Osteoarthritis: Although less likely given your age and the recent nature of the injury, wear and tear on the wrist joint can lead to osteoarthritis, which can cause pain and clicking sounds.


When to Seek X-Ray Evaluation
Given your symptoms, it would be prudent to consider an X-ray evaluation, especially if:
- The pain persists or worsens over time.

- You experience swelling, bruising, or significant tenderness in the wrist.

- You have difficulty performing daily activities or sports due to pain.

- The clicking or popping sensation is accompanied by pain or instability in the wrist.

An X-ray can help rule out any fractures or significant bone injuries that may not have healed properly. If the X-ray is normal and symptoms persist, further evaluation such as an MRI may be warranted to assess soft tissue injuries, including ligament or cartilage damage.


Recommendations
1. Rest and Ice: If you haven't already, consider resting your wrist and applying ice to reduce any inflammation.

2. Avoid Aggravating Activities: Try to avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, such as heavy lifting or repetitive wrist movements.

3. Physical Therapy: If you continue to have pain or instability, physical therapy can be beneficial. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the wrist and improve flexibility.

4. Consult a Specialist: If your symptoms do not improve with conservative measures, consider consulting an orthopedic specialist who can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including any changes in pain level, range of motion, or functionality, and communicate these to your healthcare provider.

In summary, while some wrist injuries can heal with conservative treatment, persistent symptoms warrant further investigation to ensure proper healing and to prevent long-term complications. Seeking an X-ray evaluation is a reasonable next step to assess the current state of your wrist.