Do I need to see an orthopedic surgeon?

[sulla123]

Hi on the ulnar side of my wrist I have a problem. For a long while it would catch and have a sharp pain at random times not related directly to doing anything like lifting of typing but just at random times. I would need to massage it a and manipulate it and it would go away and not bother me again maybe for weeks or months.  

But then about a month and a half ago I was working on something and trying to hold a long board I think. This put side to side twisting preasure on my wrist. Any way I felt a sharp pain and new I had hurt it. But not enough where I could not continue the project for that day. As long as the wrist was not trying to holt something from twisting in that way it was ok or not much pain. If something twisted it in that way it would have a sharp pain. (not sure if this is related but is in the same spot so thought I would mention it.)

I thought I had just pulled something and I would try and be careful with the wrist.  But since I am active during the day I am picking up thing and some times heavy thing. So I would do something to get the pain now and then during the day.

Then I noticed at some point not sure when that when my wrist rotated to the pinky side I felt a popping. This is not bending down or up but side to side. The popping feels like a bone is being pushed out of place against another bone. Not sure whats going on just best way to describe it. I can also feel the popping with my the fingers from my other hand.

Now this popping is worst first thing in the morning. Normally by some point in the day it is completly gone or very close to it. . And it seem like if I carefully stretch by wrist by pushing it up it helps.  But I just tried this today so not sure exactly how much it helps.

Also even after the popping stops there is still pain when the wrist turns side to side. And even preasure from getting my phone out of my pocket or picking up something like a drink wrong will give me pain.

Also I do not believe the wrist even turned blue or was swollen. Or not enough for me to notice.  

Oh and about two weeks ago maybe longer maybe two and a half not sure I got a soft wrist brace. That helped a little. But clearly it was not keeping the wrist from moving enough. So I then got one with a splint in it that stop about the level of the thumb.  That one helped much more. But trying on one that has a more suppost all the way up to the palm clearly gave it more support and I will probably get one of those tomorrow.  

So now the question is should I go to an orthopedic surgeon and have him look at it. I would have already gone but I have no insurance or saving. The the cost beyond something very basic would be a long term burden. Then again a long term wrist injury is also an long term burden :)  So I am at the point where it is hard to make a good choice. Neither one is easy.  Early in the year a hurt an ankle in much the same way. And just like my wrist it only really jurt much when doing a side to side twist. This hurt for a couple of months or more and then finally stoped and feels fine now. But with the wrist and the popping I just do not know what to do.  If I had insurance I would have gone already.

[sulla123]

Thanks I came to the same conclusion and am supposed to see an orthapedic surgeon Thursday. Now I just have to figure out how to pay for it. :)

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!

Clicking popping sound in the wrist that started after an injury (from the work you did) could be due to damage to the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC). The TFCC is made up of cartilage and ligaments and is present on the side of the little finger (ulnar side of wrist). It is needed to stabilize the wrist bones and also acts as a shock absorber. Injury to this can cause clicking popping sound on moving your wrist in some directions.
An injured TFCC and other ligaments can be managed by rest and anti-inflammatory and/or pain medications. The wrist can be stabilized by wrist supports, splints, casts or by surgery.  If this is not treated in time, it can worsen the pain and de-stabilize the wrist.  An MRI is needed for diagnosis. Yes, you need to consult an orthopedic specialist. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.

[sulla123]

Sorry last part I forgot. From reading now what you are supposed to do for a wrist sprain it seems like maybe I sprained it badly and then have never done the things needed to let it heal correctly.  

[sulla123]

Sorry the part saying " (not sure if this is related but is in the same spot so thought I would mention it.)" goes on the first paragraph. I cant seem to find a way to edit it.