Wrist Pain: Causes and Recovery After Injury

Dull pain

I previously injured my wrist, and although my fingers seemed to have healed, I occasionally feel soreness in my hand, lack of strength, and intermittent sharp pain.
Why is this happening? Is it common for previous injuries to cause these symptoms? Thank you.

redson, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/12/03

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation

This is a common issue, especially when there are changes in weather or increased physical activity, where symptoms become more pronounced.
Traditional Western medicine either completely denies it (believing it to be a psychological effect of the patient, thinking that if they feel better, it’s fine, and questioning how it could become a “weather station”) or is helpless in addressing it.
On the other hand, while Traditional Chinese Medicine has observed this phenomenon, its explanations often seem superficial and do not truly address the underlying issues.
(It must be noted that there are still many who understand this phenomenon.) Here is my understanding:
1.
Scar tissue issues: After tissue injury and repair, scar tissue forms, which differs in texture, alignment, and strength from the original tissue, and may even lead to adhesions.
Scar tissue is more sensitive, and its thermal expansion coefficient differs from that of the original tissue, thus causing discomfort with weather changes.
Additionally, scar tissue is weaker, and increased activity can lead to microtrauma.
2.
Limited joint mobility: Function may not fully recover.
3.
Muscle weakness: After an injury, the affected limb experiences reduced activity for a period, leading to disuse atrophy and muscle weakness.
Nerve and muscle damage, as well as scar tissue, are also contributing factors.
4.
The impact of injury can be significant, leading to psychological fear that restricts limb movement and prevents optimal performance.
There may be avoidance of activities that could lead to re-injury, as well as the pressure of not being able to push oneself, which is especially common among athletes.
Here are my suggestions:
1.
Massage the adhesions in the scar tissue.
Locate sensitive pain points or hard lumps near the injured area and apply firm pressure; it will be painful, so aim for at least 20 minutes daily until the pain subsides.
2.
Mobilize the joints and strengthen the muscles.
3.
If the issues persist, seek help from someone knowledgeable in this area.
Take care!

Reply Date: 2000/12/03

More Info

Wrist pain following an injury can be a complex issue, often resulting from a combination of factors related to the initial trauma, the healing process, and potential complications that may arise. Your experience of feeling weakness, occasional sharp pain, and a sense of fatigue in your hand can be attributed to several possible causes.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that wrist injuries can lead to various conditions, such as tendonitis, ligament sprains, or even nerve compression syndromes like carpal tunnel syndrome. After an injury, the body undergoes a healing process that involves inflammation and tissue repair. However, if the injury was severe or if there was inadequate rehabilitation, it can lead to lingering symptoms.

1. Tendonitis: This is an inflammation of the tendons around the wrist, often caused by repetitive motion or overuse after an injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and weakness in the wrist and hand. If you have resumed activities that put strain on your wrist, this could be a contributing factor.

2. Ligament Damage: If your wrist injury involved a sprain or tear of the ligaments, it might not have healed completely. Ligament injuries can lead to instability in the wrist, causing pain and weakness during certain movements.

3. Nerve Compression: Injuries can also lead to swelling that compresses nerves in the wrist, particularly the median nerve, which can result in symptoms like tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand. This is often seen in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

4. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): In some cases, individuals may develop CRPS after an injury. This condition is characterized by prolonged pain, changes in skin color and temperature, and swelling. It is more common in extremities and can be quite debilitating.

5. Scar Tissue Formation: After an injury, scar tissue can form in the wrist, which may limit mobility and cause discomfort. This can lead to a sensation of tightness or pain during movement.

To address your concerns, it is crucial to seek a thorough evaluation from a healthcare professional, preferably a specialist in orthopedics or rehabilitation medicine. They may recommend imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, to assess the condition of the bones, ligaments, and tendons in your wrist.
Recovery and Rehabilitation:
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program can help restore strength and flexibility to your wrist. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises tailored to your specific needs.

- Activity Modification: It’s essential to avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms. Gradually reintroducing movements can help prevent further injury.

- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), can help manage inflammation and pain. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications or recommend corticosteroid injections.

- Ergonomic Adjustments: If your daily activities involve repetitive wrist movements, consider ergonomic tools or techniques to reduce strain on your wrist.

In conclusion, the symptoms you are experiencing may indeed be related to your previous wrist injury, but they could also indicate other underlying issues. A comprehensive evaluation and a tailored rehabilitation program are essential for effective recovery. Remember, early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and help you regain full function in your wrist.

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