Wrist Ligament Injury: Recovery, Treatment, and Care Tips

Wrist ligament laxity?

On June 1, I injured my wrist when an external force bent my left palm towards the back of my hand.
Initially, for the first two days, I only felt slight discomfort and was able to hold a 9-kilogram child while bathing.
However, I later noticed some swelling in my wrist, although the range of motion was not significantly affected, so I tried to rest.
On June 7, I visited an orthopedic doctor who examined my X-rays and performed an ultrasound, stating that the bones were fine but the ligaments were lax.
He advised me to wear a wrist brace and suggested PRP injections for faster recovery or to start with general rehabilitation (heat therapy, electrical stimulation, low-level laser therapy).
I have the following questions for the doctor:
1.
Does PRP really accelerate ligament healing? If I do not receive PRP, will it still heal on its own, just at a slower rate? How long does it typically take for ligament injuries to heal?
2.
Does taking UC-II, a type II undenatured collagen available on the market, help with ligament repair? Are there any specific foods or nutrients that can aid in the healing process?
3.
Should I avoid any movements that cause pain, no matter how small? Should I wear the wrist brace at all times except when bathing?
4.
If I continue to hold a child while bathing and the ligament is already slightly torn, could it worsen the injury?
5.
Are heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and low-level laser therapy effective, or is it sufficient to use hot water for compresses at home?
6.
Can X-rays and ultrasound truly reveal the extent of ligament injuries (severity of tears)? Thank you, doctor.

A Yan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/12

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

1.
Ligament injuries typically take about six weeks to heal, regardless of whether injections are administered.

2.
Supplementing with nutrients does not provide any benefit.

3.
Try to avoid moving the painful joint as much as possible.

4.
Not applicable.

5.
Effective treatments include heat therapy as well.

6.
Ultrasound can be used to assess the condition of the ligaments.

Reply Date: 2021/06/12

More Info

Injuries to the wrist ligaments can be quite complex and require careful management to ensure proper healing and recovery. Based on your description of the injury sustained on June 1, it appears that you have experienced a ligamentous injury, which can often lead to pain, swelling, and functional limitations. Here’s a comprehensive overview addressing your questions and providing additional insights into wrist ligament injuries, recovery, treatment options, and care tips.

1. PRP Treatment and Healing Time
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a treatment that utilizes components of your own blood to promote healing. The idea is that by injecting PRP into the injured area, you can enhance the body's natural healing processes, particularly for soft tissue injuries like ligament sprains. Research suggests that PRP can indeed accelerate healing in some cases, but results can vary based on the severity of the injury and individual factors.

If you choose not to undergo PRP treatment, your ligament injury can still heal on its own, albeit at a slower pace. Ligament injuries typically take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to heal, depending on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains may heal in 4-6 weeks, while more severe injuries could take several months.

2. Nutritional Support for Healing
Supplementing with UC-II, a type of undenatured collagen, may provide some benefits for joint and ligament health. Collagen is a crucial component of connective tissues, and some studies suggest that it can help support the healing process. Additionally, consider incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish and flaxseeds), vitamin C (citrus fruits, bell peppers), and protein (lean meats, legumes) into your diet, as these nutrients can support tissue repair.

3. Activity Modification
It is essential to listen to your body. If any movement causes pain, it is advisable to avoid that activity to prevent further injury. Wearing a wrist brace or splint can provide stability and support, especially during activities that may strain the wrist. It is generally recommended to wear the brace as much as possible, except during activities like bathing, where it may not be practical.

4. Impact of Activities on Healing
When caring for a wrist ligament injury, activities that involve lifting or straining the wrist can exacerbate the injury. If you are lifting a child while your wrist is already compromised, there is a risk of worsening the injury. It’s crucial to modify your activities to avoid putting additional stress on the injured ligaments.

5. Effectiveness of Therapies
Therapies such as heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and low-level laser therapy can be beneficial in managing pain and promoting healing. While these treatments can be effective, their results may vary. Home heat therapy, such as warm compresses, can also help alleviate discomfort and improve blood flow to the area, promoting healing.

6. Diagnostic Imaging
X-rays are primarily used to rule out fractures, while ultrasound can provide information about soft tissue injuries, including ligament damage. However, the extent of ligament injury may not always be fully visible on these imaging modalities. MRI is often the gold standard for assessing ligament injuries, as it provides a detailed view of soft tissues.

Conclusion
In summary, managing a wrist ligament injury involves a combination of rest, appropriate use of braces, potential PRP treatment, nutritional support, and careful monitoring of activities. It's essential to follow your physician's recommendations and consider physical therapy for rehabilitation. If symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary to ensure optimal recovery. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.

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