Hand pain...

[Ardixan]

The back of my wrist feels tight, the wrist is easy to pop (and gives relief when it has been) and the central knuckles of my index and ring fingers feel stiff (not all the time). There's no twitching, it hurts even when I'm not typing or using a mouse and there's no numbness. I can feel the muscle between my index finger's base knuckle and the wrist move when I click though, and there's a resulting, momentary twinge of pain. When the hand has been closed for an extended period, it's sometimes hard to stretch the fingers out, but it's rare.

Anyone have an idea what it may be? Carpal tunnel? Tendonitis?

[Ardixan]

There's a seat in the back of my car, I apparently pulled hard enough to break the wire. This was the same night my hand started hurting, a week ago. I've had a history of tightness, though.

The pain is at the back of the wrist. There's no swelling. My wrist pops easily. The central knuckles of my index finger, middle finger and ring finger all hurt. The index finger also hurt a few days at the base, but stopped. I have a doctor's appointment on the 7th.

Sorry for the repeated posts; just a little worried and the appointment seems so far away. If you were me, what you lean closer to? Arthritis or tendonitis?

[Tuckamore]

It is not as likely that your problem is carpel tunnel if you only have pain on the pack of your hand. It could still be a tendinitis, even though the pain is dorsal. The hand is very complex and their are a number of conditions that effect it's function.

I still suggest you follow the RICE protocol. It may offer some pain relief and avoid any injury to the part. And you certainly need to have a CT or MRI of your hand. When you had surgery on this hand something could have been disturbed that is now "acting" up. There are just so many things it could be that you should consult with your PCP. He or she can direct you to the correct specialist for a final diagnosis.

Please don't put this off as it is always possible to cause more injury to the part. Again I will be looking forward to your update. Have a great New Year. Peace, Tuck

[Ardixan]

The pain is located at the back center of my wrist instead of the front. It's more tight/dull than pain. It's like something is pulling on my ringer/index finger making the knuckles stiff.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Ardixan,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum of MedHelp. I am glad you found us but sorry that you are experiencing problems with your wrist. As you know there are no physicians on this forum, just CP sufferers to offer support and information based on their background and experiences.

I think you are on the right track. It sounds more like Tendonitis than Carpel Tunnel. But it could be either or both. The following is from a trusted medical web site:
"Wrist Tendonitis (DeQuervains Tendonitis) can be defined as an irritation and swelling of the sheath or tunnel which surrounds the tendons of the thumb. Typically the pain will be present at the front of the wrist. Pain will be initiated when grasping an object or pinching the fingers."  

Please let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your next post.
Take Care, Tuck

R.I.C.E: Rest (Avoid using your injured wrist and hand), Ice (Apply ice or a cold pack to the wrist for 15-20 minutes, 4 times a day for several days. Compression (Wrap your wrist in an elastic support. This will limit swelling and support your wrist) and Elevation ( Keep the injured wrist raised above the level of your heart for 48 hours such as up on a pillow. This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling). Anti-inflammatories (seek advice from doctor before commencing this treatment). Stretching exercises.

Your wrist support sounds either too small or you are applying it too tightly. You may want to purchase a larger splint or loosen the straps. By all means see your PCP asap. You can do permanent damage to your nerves if this condition goes untreated.

I had carpel tunnel and let it go too long because I was "too busy." I now have some permanent nerve damage. Ir is not worth it. I have a friend that ended up with a painful permanent ulnar nerve entrapment because she let her condition go untreated. So I strongly encourage you to have this diagnosed and treated, sooner than later.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your next post. Take Care, Tuck

[Ardixan]

A more detailed version:

The back of my wrist feels tight, the wrist is easy to pop (and gives momentary relief when it has been) and the central knuckles of my index and ring fingers feel stiff (not all the time). There's no twitching, it hurts even when I'm not typing or using a mouse and there's no numbness. I can feel the muscle between my index finger's base knuckle and the wrist move when I click though, and there's a resulting, momentary twinge of pain. When the hand has been closed for an extended period, it's sometimes hard to stretch the fingers out, but it's rare. I can pop my thumb, but it doesn’t have an affect on any symptoms. I just feel the ’need’ to pop my thumbs sometimes. I’ve had a history of dismissible pain (mostly tingling), but it was always gone the next morning, while this has been consistent in some form or another for an entire week.

Attempting to use a splint results in pain centered above the veins on the back of my palm. The restraints are so tight they cut circulation and seem to make the pain worse rather than better. I’ve a habit of turning onto my side at night and in the process cut off the circulation. I wake up several times per night, every night, with a painful hand and no blood in my hand and lower arms. However, I also type for upwards if 8-10 hours daily either writing/editing manuscripts or playing games. This includes intensive, sometimes rapid, clicking.