Wrist pain "Flexor Tenosynovitis"?

Question

I have played guitar for years and apparently was slowly injuring my left (fretting hand) wrist. Two months ago I felt a sharp pain while bending a note. I quit playing immediatly but the wrist got more sore in the next few days. I got a referral for physical therapy and went twice a week for almost 2 months. I eventually got to see an othopedic hand specialist who said i have Flexor Tenosynovitis. Ive been on prescription anti-inflamitories (diclofenac sodium), cortisone treatment via phono phoresis, a liniment with capisin and an anti-inflmamitory, a wrist brace and lots of ice, but very little improvement. I still cant hold a glass of water left handed without pain. Playing the guitar is out of he question.
The orthopedic doctor said in last week's follow up visit that he thinks my ulner nerve is part of the equation, so now i am sleeping in a long-arm splint.
Does anyone have any advice? should i ask for MRI or anything else?

Answer 1

As a physical therapist, I would recommend Iontophoresis (eye-on-toe-four-eee-sis) instead of phonophoresis, seeing as the latter has not been shown as effective as the former. Iontophoresis is the process in which an anti-inflammatory medicine is driven through the skin to the tissue below by a low electrical current.

Your treatment should include stretching, tendon and nerve glides, wrist mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, iontophoresis, and light strengthening.

An MRI would verify the physician's diagnosis or possibly show if there is another problem that was undiagnosed. It is an expensive test, but worthwhile if you or your medical professionals think something was missed.

Answer 2

A second opinion may be helpful.