About a week ago my wrist started a hurt a little. I didn't think much of it. Then it started to travel to my hand. Now my wrist doesn't hurt but my hand only. I thought it was going away but then I woke up this morning and it is almost unbearable. I can't open a can of soda...open a jar of spagetti, or lift anything. It also feels like it could be swollen. Most of the pain is in my thumb and in the palm area below my thumb, but it's basically my entire hand. What could this be? I'm not gonna go to the ER this weekend for it, but I may just have to get it checked, so I know this. But I'd like to have an idea of what it could be. I know it's impossible to diagnos me...just want some ideas. Maybe I can find some solutions to temperarily help my pain. I am 22 years old I kindad doubt it's arthritis. I did break my thumb, but that was casted and healed like a decade ago! Any ideas?
2006-12-01 13:03:04 · 11 answers · asked by pizzagirl 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
If you use the computer a lot or do a single action repetitively, it could be RSI (repetitive stress injury) or carpal tunnel syndrome.
See a doctor for a proper diagnosis. This is usually easily treated.
2006-12-01 13:06:10 · answer #1 · answered by Toms777 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what you describe, you have had one of the little carpal bones become malpositioned and caused an irritation to the capsular area around it.. this would create swelling and pain. If this inflammatory process is left untreated, it will involve the nerve below that area of pressure. In other words, your hand. That little bone can be reduced by applying pressure and moving the wrist around a bit. If not, find a doctor of Chiropractic. He can reduce it in a moment. This is consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome. Generally has an effect on the thumb first. The generalized problem with the entire hand suggests the advancing of the inflammatory process.
2006-12-01 20:14:01 · answer #2 · answered by mrcricket1932 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be repetitive motion. Typing on a keyboard, or using a mouse at an odd angle also. I had the same kind of problem last month. I figured out that it was the stress I was putting on it through my job where I write a lot and the repeated motion of writing things was straining my entire arm. I couldnt lift anything or use that hand much at all. A little rest from something like what I was doing could fix it. But that may not be the reason you're having pain.
2006-12-01 13:07:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds a lot like carpal tunnel syndrome to me, but it could also be a variety of other, similar things (tendonitis, e.g.). Carpal tunnel syndrome is essentially a pinched nerve in your wrist, that can cause pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand (particularly in the thumb and under it). Treatment typically involves wearing a splint on your wrist at night and taking anti-inflammatory drugs (Motrin, e.g.) for the pain. In severe cases, surgery can be done, but most people don't need to take it that far.
In any case, you should definitely get it checked out as soon as possible. In the meantime, try icing your wrist (the underneath area where the wrist meets the palm) and take some anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen like Motrin, which you can buy at any drug store) for the pain and inflammation. You can also buy wrist splints at most drug stores, and it might be worth doing that and wearing it for a few days (at least at night) to see if that helps over the weekend.
Good luck!
2006-12-01 13:07:38 · answer #4 · answered by Meg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do a lot of repetitive tasks or are on a computer a lot, then it could be carpal tunnel syndrome. This is an inflammatory condition which you might find some relief by stretching exercises with your wrist, see a chiropracter who does ultrasound treatments, and let the hot water in the shower massage the sore area.
2006-12-01 13:16:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the pain doesn't emulate through to your wrist, its not carpal tunnel. If it resides in your hand and fingers, it is probably tendenitus, which is caused by repetitive motion (such as computer usage, writing a lot, etc). Take some ibuprofin (advil) over the weekend, and try stretching your hands by extending your fingers out as far as they can go, making a fist, then extending, etc. It will help stretch your hand. You should do this anyway, when you are doing something repetitive. Don't worry too much about it.
2006-12-01 13:12:31 · answer #6 · answered by hey u 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meg's answer was very accurate. Carpel tunnel possibly...I agree, you need to get it checked out if it is giving you enough problems to ask someone what it is. Make sure you ice and take inflammation medication to keep the pain and swelling down. Most important part is to decrease the excessive amount of blood flow that continues to put pressure in your hand. This can be offset by ice, splinting, and not using it for a couple of days. If things are not better, you really need to get it checked out.
2006-12-01 13:14:59 · answer #7 · answered by ambqb3 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ER probably wouldn't help. Possibly, a rheumatic or arthritic
issue or carpal tunnel, especially if you do repetative movements like data entry or even excessive writing. You should see your primary care physician or a rheumatologist to clarify. They will do a lot of bloodwork and x-rays.... to determine the best course of treatment. It is not a quick fix. In the interim any anti inflamatory can help, tylenol, aleve, advil. In addition, use heat or ice to relieve some of the pain. I find that a paraffin wax treatment helps.
2006-12-01 13:12:53 · answer #8 · answered by acheyjoy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be Carpel Tunnel Syndrone.
Also could be some arthritis beginning.
See a doctor. Good luck. Pops
2006-12-01 13:06:49 · answer #9 · answered by Pops 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
could be carpal tunnel. That break that you had could also being coming back to haunt you! lol I broke my ankle 8 years ago and when it rains, or if its damp or cold outside it bothers me.
2006-12-01 13:09:43 · answer #10 · answered by mom*2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋