Wrist Subluxation: Treatment Options and Recovery

Subluxation of the right wrist?

I have been experiencing habitual soreness in my right wrist and shoulder.
Last Tuesday, I strained my wrist while lifting a child improperly, resulting in severe stabbing pain below my little finger.
I also feel a sensation of movement when I squeeze the two bones in my arm together (like chopsticks).
By Saturday, there was no improvement, so I visited the orthopedic department at Wan Fang Hospital.
After an X-ray, I learned that I had a subluxation, with the outer bone shifted upward.
The doctor allowed me to choose between a cast or a wrist brace, but after getting the cast, I still did not see any improvement and continued to experience stabbing pain.
Additionally, my limited mobility has caused soreness in my neck and shoulders.
I would like to ask the doctor if just having the cast will be sufficient for my hand to heal.
Can I choose to have the cast removed and use other treatments for my injury? Thank you.

Yun Ting, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/11/24

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics

Suddenly lifting a child should not cause a right wrist dislocation.
If the X-ray shows a dislocation, it may be due to a previous injury.
Previous injuries that were treated with a cast may not have healed effectively.
It is advisable to wear a wrist brace for protection.
If the dislocation is due to a prior injury, it is unlikely to improve.
However, if the pain in the right shoulder and wrist is simply due to holding the child for too long, it is likely a case of tendinitis.
It is recommended to limit lifting the child, rest, apply heat, and use pain relievers for effective relief.

Reply Date: 2004/11/24

More Info

Wrist subluxation, often referred to as a partial dislocation, can be a painful and debilitating condition. It occurs when the bones in the wrist are misaligned but not completely dislocated. This can happen due to trauma, such as lifting heavy objects improperly or falling, as you've experienced while carrying a child. Understanding the treatment options and recovery process is essential for effective management and rehabilitation.

Treatment Options
1. Immobilization: The first line of treatment for a wrist subluxation typically involves immobilization. This can be achieved through the use of a cast or a splint. In your case, the physician recommended a cast, which is designed to keep the wrist stable and prevent further injury. While a splint may allow for some movement, a cast provides more rigid support, which can be beneficial in the initial healing phase.

2. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.

3. Physical Therapy: Once the initial pain and swelling have decreased, physical therapy can be an important part of recovery. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to restore range of motion, strength, and stability to the wrist. This is crucial to prevent stiffness and ensure proper healing.

4. Surgical Intervention: In some cases, if conservative treatments do not yield improvement, surgical options may be considered. This is more common if there are associated injuries to ligaments or if the subluxation is recurrent.

Recovery Process
Recovery from a wrist subluxation can vary based on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. Generally, the following points are important to consider:
- Duration of Immobilization: The duration for which you need to wear the cast can vary. Typically, it may be required for several weeks, depending on the severity of the subluxation and your body's healing response. If you are not seeing improvement after a reasonable period, it is essential to follow up with your physician.

- Gradual Return to Activity: Once the cast is removed, it is crucial to gradually return to normal activities. Rushing back into heavy lifting or strenuous activities can lead to re-injury.
- Monitoring Symptoms: If you continue to experience significant pain, numbness, or weakness, it is essential to report these symptoms to your healthcare provider. Persistent symptoms may indicate that the injury has not healed properly or that there are other underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Considerations for Your Situation
Given that you have not seen improvement with the cast and are experiencing persistent pain and discomfort, it may be worth discussing the following with your physician:
- Re-evaluation: Request a follow-up appointment to reassess your wrist. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, may be necessary to evaluate the healing process and check for any additional injuries.

- Alternative Treatments: If the cast is not providing the expected relief, discuss the possibility of switching to a splint or exploring other treatment options, such as corticosteroid injections for inflammation.

- Physical Therapy: If not already recommended, inquire about starting physical therapy, even while in a cast, as some therapists can provide exercises that can be done safely.

In conclusion, while a cast is a common treatment for wrist subluxation, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. Recovery can take time, and addressing any complications early on can help ensure a better outcome. Always prioritize your comfort and functionality, and do not hesitate to seek further evaluation if your condition does not improve.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Wrist Issues: Recovery and Treatment Options After Injury

Hello doctor, in June I fell off my bike and tried to catch myself with my right wrist. I had an X-ray done and the bones were fine, but I was told that my right wrist had a subluxation of the radius and ulnar bones at the distal radioulnar joint. The doctor mentioned that since ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Rehabilitation therapy using shockwave treatment may not always be effective.

Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes and Treatment Options for Rotation Issues

Doctor, I previously injured my wrist while weight training. I saw an orthopedic doctor and received a few anti-inflammatory injections, about 2 or 3 times, and my hand improved significantly. However, when I rotate my wrist outward, it gets stuck, and there is pain near the prot...

Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear User: Based on your description, it is possible that you have a wrist ligament sprain or a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury. As a general principle, initial management should include protection, cautious use, heat therapy, and pharmacological treatment as cons...

Managing Wrist Tendonitis: Effective Rehab Strategies for Quick Recovery

Hello, Director! I cannot be away from the computer for even a second at work, which has resulted in severe pain in the thumb area of my right wrist. An orthopedic diagnosis indicated tendonitis, and I was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and ointment, along with advice to...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. It may be "De Quervain's tenosynovitis," which involves inflammation of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons at the wrist. 2. During the acute phase, apply ice therapy. 3. After the acute phase, you can visit a rehabilitation dep...

Rehabilitation and Nerve Issues After Wrist Ligament Surgery: A Patient's Journey

Hello, Doctor. Three months ago, I fell off my bike and landed on my wrist, resulting in dislocation of the scaphoid and lunate bones. The doctor performed a reduction in the emergency room, and the next day, I underwent a scapholunate ligament repair surgery, where three absorba...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. The hand is not a very intricate structure, and once injured, it is difficult to fully return to normal. 2. It may be necessary to continue rehabilitation. 3. There is a possibility. 4. It will be monitored, and if symptoms arise, further intervention will be considered....