Wrist Pain and Locking During Rotation: Ligament Issues - Orthopedics

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Wrist pain and locking during rotation can be quite concerning, especially when it affects your daily activities. Based on your description, it seems that you may be dealing with a ligamentous injury, possibly involving the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), which is crucial for wrist stability and function.
The symptoms you are experiencing—pain near the ulnar side of the wrist (the side where the little finger is located) and the sensation of locking during rotation—are indicative of a potential TFCC tear or other ligamentous injuries. The TFCC acts as a cushion and stabilizer for the wrist joint, and any damage to it can lead to instability, pain, and restricted motion.

Your MRI findings suggesting a possible tear of the TFCC align with the symptoms you are experiencing. The fact that your surgeon has noted ligament laxity contributing to joint instability further supports this diagnosis. Ligament laxity can occur due to acute injuries or chronic overuse, and it can lead to a feeling of instability in the wrist, especially during rotational movements.

Regarding your concern about whether the ligaments can regain elasticity, it’s important to understand that ligaments have a limited capacity for healing on their own, especially if they are significantly torn. However, with appropriate treatment, including surgical intervention if necessary, and a structured rehabilitation program, you can improve the stability and function of your wrist.

Post-surgery, rehabilitation is crucial. Here are some general recommendations for rehabilitation after a ligament injury:
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a physical therapy program tailored to your specific injury can help restore strength, flexibility, and stability to your wrist. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles around the wrist and improving range of motion.

2. Strengthening Exercises: Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, your therapist may introduce strengthening exercises. These may include wrist curls, grip strengthening, and resistance band exercises to enhance the stability of the wrist joint.

3. Proprioceptive Training: This involves exercises that improve your body’s ability to sense the position of the wrist in space. This can be crucial for preventing further injuries and improving overall wrist function.

4. Gradual Return to Activities: It’s important to gradually return to activities that involve wrist rotation. Start with low-impact activities and progressively increase the intensity as tolerated.

5. Use of Braces or Supports: Depending on the severity of your injury, your doctor may recommend wearing a wrist brace or support during the rehabilitation process to provide additional stability.

6. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms during rehabilitation. If you experience increased pain, swelling, or any new symptoms, it’s important to communicate this with your healthcare provider.

In terms of your concern about the timeline, recovery from ligament injuries can vary widely based on the severity of the injury, the specific ligaments involved, and how well you adhere to your rehabilitation program. It’s not uncommon for recovery to take several months, especially if surgery is involved.

Lastly, it’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare team. If you have any doubts or concerns about your recovery process or the proposed treatment plan, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or ask for clarification from your surgeon or physical therapist. They can provide you with the most accurate information tailored to your specific situation.
In summary, while ligament injuries can be concerning, with the right approach to treatment and rehabilitation, many individuals can achieve significant improvements in wrist function and a return to their normal activities.