Wrist Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Tips - Orthopedics

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Wrist pain can be a complex issue, especially when it develops gradually after an injury, as in your case. Based on your description, it seems that you initially experienced pain in your left wrist after twisting it while using your camera. The subsequent development of pain in your right wrist and elbow, along with the clicking sounds, suggests that there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed.


Possible Causes of Your Wrist Pain
1. Tendonitis: The twisting motion you described could have led to inflammation of the tendons in your wrist, known as tendonitis. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist.

2. Wrist Sprain: Even if you did not feel immediate pain after the injury, it's possible that you sustained a mild sprain. This occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are stretched or torn.

3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Given that you have experienced pain in both wrists, it's worth considering carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. Symptoms include pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

4. Repetitive Strain Injury: If you have been using your hands frequently for activities like photography, you may be experiencing a repetitive strain injury, which can affect the tendons and muscles in the wrist and forearm.

5. Inflammatory Conditions: The mention of elevated levels of a specific factor (possibly rheumatoid factor or another inflammatory marker) could indicate an underlying inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause joint pain and stiffness.


Treatment Options
1. Rest and Activity Modification: It's crucial to give your wrists time to heal. Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, and consider using a wrist brace to immobilize the joint.

2. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the wrist and improve flexibility. They can also use modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. If your pain persists, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications or corticosteroid injections.

4. Injections: Since you mentioned receiving injections at Chang Gung Hospital, if those did not provide relief, you might want to discuss alternative injection options with your doctor, such as a corticosteroid injection directly into the wrist joint.

5. Diagnostic Imaging: If your symptoms persist, further imaging studies, such as an MRI, may be warranted to assess soft tissue structures, including ligaments and tendons, which are not visible on X-rays.

6. Consultation with a Specialist: If your symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment, consider consulting a hand specialist or a rheumatologist, especially given the elevated inflammatory marker.


Recovery Tips
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Use ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day.

- Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore function. However, these should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

- Ergonomic Adjustments: If you are engaging in activities that require repetitive wrist movements, consider ergonomic tools or techniques to minimize strain on your wrists.


Conclusion
In summary, your wrist pain could stem from various causes, including tendonitis, sprains, or even inflammatory conditions. Since your symptoms have persisted despite initial treatments, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. They may recommend additional diagnostic tests or refer you to a specialist to ensure you receive the most appropriate care. Remember, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek further medical advice.