Left Wrist Injuries: Symptoms and Treatment Insights

Injury to the left wrist?

Hello Doctor: Last Monday, I felt pain when moving my left wrist joint.
After observing for a few days, I went to an orthopedic clinic where the doctor diagnosed me with a ligament injury in my left wrist.
I received infrared heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and topical medication.
However, when I woke up the next day, I noticed that my left palm seemed to be slightly tilted to the right.
Is this a symptom that can occur with a ligament injury?

Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/12

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics

Hello, you are currently receiving infrared heat therapy, electrotherapy, and topical medication for your wrist ligament injury.
Unless the ligament injury is severe, it should not cause your left palm to tilt to the right.
It is advisable to consult your physician for a follow-up examination.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2017/11/12

More Info

Injuries to the wrist, particularly those involving the ligaments, can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing pain and a noticeable deviation in the position of your left hand following a wrist injury. This situation warrants a closer examination and understanding of the potential implications of your injury.

Symptoms of Wrist Ligament Injuries
Wrist ligament injuries, such as sprains or tears, often present with several common symptoms:
1. Pain: This is typically localized around the wrist joint and may worsen with movement or pressure.

2. Swelling: Inflammation around the injured area can lead to noticeable swelling.

3. Bruising: Discoloration may occur due to bleeding under the skin.

4. Decreased Range of Motion: You may find it difficult to move your wrist or hand without pain.

5. Instability: In cases of significant ligament damage, the wrist may feel unstable or give way during movement.

The deviation of your hand to the right could indicate a few possibilities:
- Ligament Instability: If the ligaments that support the wrist are damaged, it can lead to abnormal positioning of the wrist and hand.

- Tendon Involvement: Sometimes, the tendons that control wrist and finger movements can also be affected, leading to misalignment.

- Fracture: Although you mentioned that the doctor diagnosed a ligament injury, it’s important to rule out any fractures, as they can also cause similar symptoms.

Treatment Insights
The treatment for wrist ligament injuries typically involves:
1. Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain is crucial for recovery.

2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice can help reduce swelling and pain.

3. Compression: Using a compression bandage can help manage swelling.

4. Elevation: Keeping the wrist elevated can further assist in reducing swelling.

5. Physical Therapy: Once the initial pain and swelling subside, rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to restore strength and range of motion.

When to Seek Further Evaluation
Given that you are experiencing a significant change in the alignment of your hand, it is advisable to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional. Here are some reasons to return to your doctor or seek a second opinion:
- Persistent Pain: If the pain does not improve with conservative treatment.

- Increased Deformity: Any noticeable changes in the shape or alignment of your wrist or hand.

- Loss of Function: Difficulty in performing daily activities due to pain or instability.

- Neurological Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers.

Conclusion
In summary, while ligament injuries can lead to pain and swelling, the deviation of your hand suggests that there may be more complex issues at play. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for a thorough examination, which may include imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to assess for any underlying fractures or more severe ligamentous injuries. Early intervention can help prevent long-term complications and ensure a better recovery outcome.

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...

Understanding Left Hand Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Professional Insights

Hello, I often experience soreness and pain in the back of my left hand, from the wrist to the metacarpal area. The pain is not severe, but I am unable to exert force or lift heavy objects; I can manage lighter items. Two years ago, there was a hard swelling on the inner side of ...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
According to your description, the pain in the back of your left hand may be due to tendonitis caused by poor posture and overuse. Medications can only provide temporary pain relief, and improper massage may exacerbate the condition. Since you often have to reach backward with yo...

Managing Chronic Left Wrist Dislocation: Treatment Options and Solutions

Several years ago, my left hand was caught in a machine. At that time, there was only soft tissue injury, and no fractures were found. Later, when I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, it was discovered that my hand was dislocated. Since then, my left hand has ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Consult a physician to determine if surgical treatment is necessary.

Challenges in Hand Function Recovery After Wrist Fracture: Insights and Solutions

Hello, Doctor. I was in a car accident on January 17 of this year, and at that time, I was not diagnosed with a scaphoid fracture in my left hand during the emergency visit. It was only a week later, when I visited an orthopedic specialist, that the fracture was discovered, and I...

Dr. Li Yanheng reply Rehabilitation
Dear Mr. Barry, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your description, it is indeed possible that you may be experiencing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), previously known as sympathetic dystrophy. In addition to traditional rehabilitation, you may consider ultrasound-guide...