[45F] With chronic thumb and wrist pain post-injury

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, a possible diagnosis is:

• De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: This condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It can cause pain and swelling near the base of your thumb, making it difficult to move your thumb and wrist. The pain can radiate up the forearm and is often exacerbated by thumb movement.

  • Treatment: Typically involves rest, splinting the thumb and wrist, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. In severe cases, surgery may be required to relieve the pressure on the tendons.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Given your history of carpal tunnel syndrome, it's possible that the symptoms in your thumb and wrist are related to this condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.

  • Treatment: Includes wrist splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and in some cases, surgery to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.

• Arthritis: Although you haven't been diagnosed with arthritis, the chronic nature of your symptoms and the swelling could suggest an underlying arthritic condition, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Treatment: Involves managing symptoms with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to help alleviate your symptoms:

1. Rest and Immobilization: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain and consider using a thumb splint to immobilize the area and allow it to heal.
2. Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Continue using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to manage pain and inflammation.
4. Ergonomic Adjustments: Make adjustments to your work or daily activities to reduce strain on your thumb and wrist.
5. Smoking Cessation: Consider reducing or quitting smoking, as it can impair blood flow and delay healing.
6. Symptom Tracking: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If the pain becomes unbearable or significantly worsens
• If you notice increased swelling, redness, or warmth around the thumb and wrist
• If you develop a fever (temperature over 100.4°F) or chills
• If you experience a significant loss of function or strength in your thumb and wrist

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's important to seek care from real health professionals to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.