Persistent Wrist Pain After One Week of Treatment: Should I Switch Clinics?

Q: Persistent Wrist Pain After One Week of Treatment: Should I Switch Clinics?

Dear Fish user,<br>Here are the responses to your questions：<br>1. <br>Your wrist was sprained two weeks ago while moving a motorcycle, which is likely a ligament strain. <br>Surgery is not necessary; continue with acupuncture treatment and consider manual therapy based on your c

I have had a wrist sprain treated for a week, but it still hurts. Should I switch to another clinic?

Hello Doctor: My wrist was sprained two weeks ago while moving a motorcycle.
I received treatment at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for a week.
On the first day, I applied ice, and starting the second day, I used heat therapy.
During this period, I also had a massage therapist perform manipulation, and acupuncture was added in the last two sessions.
However, my wrist still hurts when I rotate it (for example, when opening a bottle or turning a doorknob).
It also hurts when my wrist is in an outward position, perpendicular to my arm.
The pain is located in the wrist area below the little finger, and I experience stiffness in the ring and little fingers.
I would like to ask: 1.
Should I continue seeing the doctor for acupuncture and manipulation? 2.
How long will the treatment take? What should I pay attention to in my daily activities? 3.
Why was acupuncture not included at the beginning, and only added after the last two sessions when there was no improvement? 4.
I injured my left wrist; why did the doctor perform acupuncture on my right wrist on the first day? He said the two sides are interconnected; is that true?

yú, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/06/06

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Fish user,
Here are the responses to your questions:
1.
Your wrist was sprained two weeks ago while moving a motorcycle, which is likely a ligament strain.
Surgery is not necessary; continue with acupuncture treatment and consider manual therapy based on your condition.
It is best for a physician to handle it personally.
If it does not heal, and there is concern about possible dislocation or fractures, imaging studies may be considered for diagnosis.
2.
The treatment duration is not fixed; you should rest the affected area and minimize physical activity.
3.
It is unclear why acupuncture was not initiated at the beginning and only performed in the last two days when there was no improvement.
You should consult the physician for their reasoning.
4.
Regarding your left wrist injury, it is uncertain why the physician performed acupuncture on your right wrist on the first day.
You should ask the physician about this.
Generally, acupuncture points are selected based on the local area of pain or along the meridians.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a principle of treating the opposite side for conditions, commonly applied in stroke acupuncture treatment.
Wishing you well,
Dr.
Lin Ching-Chung, Assistant Professor, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fengyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2007/06/06

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing persistent wrist pain following a sprain from moving a motorcycle, and you have been undergoing treatment at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for about a week. Given your ongoing symptoms, it's understandable that you're considering whether to switch clinics or continue with your current treatment regimen. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Should you continue with acupuncture and massage therapy?
Continuing with acupuncture and massage therapy can be beneficial, especially if you find some relief from these treatments. However, if you are not experiencing any improvement after a week, it may be worth discussing your concerns with your current practitioner. They might adjust your treatment plan or suggest additional therapies. If you feel that your current clinic is not meeting your needs, seeking a second opinion from another clinic, particularly one that specializes in musculoskeletal injuries, could be a good idea.

2. How long should the treatment take?
The duration of treatment for wrist sprains can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, mild sprains may improve within a few weeks, while more severe injuries can take several weeks to months. It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and monitor your symptoms. If pain persists beyond a few weeks, further evaluation, such as imaging studies (like an X-ray or MRI), may be necessary to rule out any underlying issues such as fractures or ligament tears.

3. Why was acupuncture not included initially?
The decision to start acupuncture later in your treatment may be based on the practitioner's assessment of your condition. In traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners often begin with methods they believe will provide the most immediate relief, such as ice or heat therapy and massage. Acupuncture may be introduced later if initial treatments do not yield the desired results. It's also possible that the practitioner wanted to assess your response to other treatments before incorporating acupuncture.

4. Why was acupuncture performed on your right wrist?
The idea that both wrists are "connected" is rooted in the concept of meridians in traditional Chinese medicine, where energy pathways are believed to run throughout the body. Some practitioners may use acupuncture points on the opposite side of the body to promote healing in the injured area. While this approach can be effective for some patients, it is essential to communicate with your practitioner about your specific injury and treatment plan to ensure that you feel comfortable with the methods being used.

In addition to your current treatments, consider the following recommendations for managing your wrist pain:
- Rest and Avoid Aggravating Activities: Give your wrist time to heal by avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain, such as heavy lifting or repetitive wrist movements.

- Ice Therapy: Continue using ice on the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after activities that cause pain.

- Gentle Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Once the acute pain decreases, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore mobility and strength. Consult with a physical therapist for a tailored exercise program.

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

If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, it is crucial to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional who specializes in musculoskeletal injuries. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend appropriate imaging or alternative treatments, such as physical therapy or corticosteroid injections, if necessary.

In summary, while traditional Chinese medicine can be effective for some, if you are not seeing improvement, it may be time to consider other options or clinics that can provide a more comprehensive approach to your wrist injury. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare providers to ensure you receive the best possible care for your condition.

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