Help: Wrist Issues

LeilaFace

I've had problems with my left wrist since I started my EMT/Fire Academy courses in August 2012 (which I'm no longer in thanks to moving to a new state ... Booooooo). Finally went to my doctor (as some days it was perfectly fine and other days I couldn't use it) he says to wear a wrist guard constantly for about a month and take ibuprofen and if that doesn't help I get to do nerve checks (hooray!) and then possible shots in my hand and/or surgery . So could someone please help me out and suggest a wrist guard to buy? I have access to Target, Wal-mart, Rite Aid, Walgreens so those are the places I can buy from. I am a desk jockey so constantly tap tap tapping away, which isn't great for my wrist.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions/help.

LeilaFace

No love

ninerbuff

Probably tendinitis. And that's usually a chronic condition. Get a gripper and start working your forearms out to help strengthen muscles supporting the wrist.

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blpnana

Have you ever thought about going to an acupuncturist? I see an acupuncturist that has helped with tendonitis in my achilles (when all the doctors wanted to do is give me antiinflammatories) and in my wrist - amazing. Never thought it would work, but it honestly did. Maybe that could help you?

ilovedeadlifts

It's hard to offer suggestions on helping the issue without knowing the actual diagnosis.

Nerve damage is far different from just a minor sprain or a tendonitis issue.

Figure out what's wrong then talk to a PT about the best way to rehab it.

LeilaFace

I did see a doctor, he said to get a wrist guard ... Any suggestions on WRIST GUARDS?

1. I already work out my forearms/arms 3 times a week.
2. Insurance doesn't cover Acupuncturist.
3. It's most likely Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. That's what my doctor is leaning towards but wants me to try a wrist guard and anti-inflammatory to see if that helps the situation if it does then I don't need to go through getting my nerves checked.

MinnieInMaine

If you're willing to shop online, this looks like a nice one:
http://www.amazon.com/Wellgate-Women-Slimfit-Wrist-Support/dp/B000GHG3RG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1366651384&sr=1-1&keywords=wrist+brace

I had tendonitis in my right wrist for years and the only ting that really helped with wearing one of these types of braces with a splint/support and taking either Advil or Aleve. And of course avoiding certain repetitive movements when I could. You may also want to talk to the HR department in your office to make sure your set-up is ergonomic so you don't sustain further injury.

If you just want to shop in stores, make sure you get one that goes a few inches up your arm, not one of those short ones that just wraps around your wrist. Shop online first so you know what's available and maybe even ship to store (usually free) if you can to make it super easy and time saving. Good luck!

LeilaFace

If you're willing to shop online, this looks like a nice one:
http://www.amazon.com/Wellgate-Women-Slimfit-Wrist-Support/dp/B000GHG3RG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1366651384&sr=1-1&keywords=wrist+brace

I had tendonitis in my right wrist for years and the only ting that really helped with wearing one of these types of braces with a splint/support and taking either Advil or Aleve. And of course avoiding certain repetitive movements when I could. You may also want to talk to the HR department in your office to make sure your set-up is ergonomic so you don't sustain further injury.

If you just want to shop in stores, make sure you get one that goes a few inches up your arm, not one of those short ones that just wraps around your wrist. Shop online first so you know what's available and maybe even ship to store (usually free) if you can to make it super easy and time saving. Good luck!

You ROCK MY FACE OFF!!!

Thank You. I work from home so it's kind of all my fault with the typing but I'm going to try to get serious and get rid of this pain.

bregalad5

I did see a doctor, he said to get a wrist guard ... Any suggestions on WRIST GUARDS?

1. I already work out my forearms/arms 3 times a week.
2. Insurance doesn't cover Acupuncturist.
3. It's most likely Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. That's what my doctor is leaning towards but wants me to try a wrist guard and anti-inflammatory to see if that helps the situation if it does then I don't need to go through getting my nerves checked.

Eep, hope you don't have to have surgery. I'm waiting to be evaluated by a specialist because I have developed ulnar neuropathy (Basically carpal tunnel in my elbow) Yay!!

I definitely agree with Minnie: make sure your brace goes partway up your forearm, and I would also make sure it has a metal component in the palm to immobilize it, at least at night. They have ones made to put pressure on certain parts of the wrist specifically for carpal tunnel, so I'd check that, too

Feel better soon!!

Sorry for any typos ... Phone spellcheck is going nuts today.

MinnieInMaine

Also think about what else you do during the day - playing on your phone, playing on the computer at home, maybe the way you hold the phone when you talk, doing crossword puzzles or reading a book - there are several things we do that we just don't think about until there's pain.

When you're on the computer take frequent breaks and stretch.

I'd also second the recommendation to see a Physical Therapist. Regular doctors aren't specialists and have a broader knowledge whereas a specialist has more specific knowledge and can make sure you have the right stretches/exercises/equipment to help you get better.

If you plan on being a desk jockey for a long time, this is not just something you can put a "bandaid" on. God forbid it gets really bad and you end up with carpel tunnel and have to go through the surgeries. Better to get the right treatment to cure it and make sure you're doing the proper treatement (stretches, etc) so it stays ok. Thankfully my tendonitis hasn't been back in years!