I hurt my wrist 2.5 months ago. (I think it was weakened over time by guitar playing, then one night I felt a sharp pain while playing guitar.) Despite 2.5 months of wearing a brace, trying not to use my left hand,and a lot of phyical therapy and anti-inflamatories, it still hurts to lift a glass of water. I know I have high rheumatoid factor. Is it possible that is why my wrist is not healing?
2006-08-21 13:17:05 · 2 answers · asked by Phil S 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
cdptqt..
Thanks so much for your answer.
I tried to contact you but it says your email address is unconfirmed. :-(
2006-08-21 14:03:18 · update #1
Certainly, but having a high rheumatoid is not necessarily indicative of rheumatoid arthritis. RA is characterized by periods of exaccerbation and remission of joint pain which is usually bilateral (occurs on both sides).
It sounds like you've been through PT (hopefully with a certified hand therapist...PT or OT), so I'm guessing you've had some tests done, x-ray, MRI, ect. Without knowing which side your pain is on, it is difficult to give you any advise...but the wrist can be a tricky one because it is subject to loss of circulation to many of the carpals (wrist bones)....this can lead to necrosis (cell death) of some of the carpals as in Kline box disease and osteonecrosis. Relationship of the ulna to the radius is also something to consider; as if this relationship is not normal, one injury is often the start of tear in the cartilage at the end of the bone.
If you have not done so, follow up with first a rheumatologist, and possibly a hand surgeon...and I really mean one that specializes in hands, not someone who does an "occasional" hand. It may be time for more tests.
2006-08-21 13:33:57 · answer #1 · answered by mistify 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The high rheumatoid factor could just be a fluke. I know that I had a positive rheumatoid factor years before I became chronic with rheumatoid arthritis. People can also have a false positive rheumatoid factor as well. My guess would be that it is osteoarthritis from the injury and using the wrist in repetitive motion playing guitar. I hope that helps a little... just what I think from having RA.
2006-08-21 13:29:51 · answer #2 · answered by Kristin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋