Wrist pain

[KatCH]

As the title says, I am having a lot of right wrist pain. Mostly it’s been while doing push ups or other weight bearing exercises. I believe it started last winter at a soccer practice (I am a goalkeeper) and I took a hard shot. I never saw a doc and the pain went away. I was wearing a brace for awhile until I lost it. I take boxing classes as well where sometimes if I hit a bag wrong, my wrist will slip and there will be a quick pain.

I have noticed an overall weakness in my wrist too. While I can do the first 2-3 pushups fine, with the rest I almost feel as those my forearm slips from the hand a bit. Not sure if I have done some ligament damage and if it would be worth seeing a doctor about.

Hubby is military, so to see any kind of orthopedist or specialist I would have to be able to convince my PCP to write a referral (not exactly easy with Tricare). They would probably just give me a split and pain meds, tell me not to participate in my activities and send me on my way.

Also, can anyone recommend a good wrist brace I can use when participating in boxing and soccer? I obviously don’t want to injure it further. Most of the braces I find at the store have stabilizing elements to them that limit movement and wouldn’t be ideal for either of my activities.

I truly believe someday soccer will be the death of me. Or maybe it’s just a sign of the times and the years of soccer are catching up (sprained ankles, knee pain, wrist pain, shoulder pain, etc. etc.).

Thanks!

 

[darren187]

I'm in a similar boat to you, although I fractured my wrist four years ago, which is why I believe I have the problem I do.

I go through long spells of no pain at all and then without doing anything I get the pain again, which is only when I have my palm horizontal and move my hand left to right, (it hurts more moving it to the right). However I can put my full weight on my wrist without any pain at all.

I have seen a doctor but get the same old routine, splint, pain killers and rest. Which I have to admit DOES work... but I have to work or I don't get paid, so?!? lol

When you do push-ups are you simply putting your palms face down on the floor? Have you tried using hand grips? I cannot do push-ups palm facing down but with hand grips I have not trouble because there is no strain put on wrist.

As for splints/supports, I have used several and all seem to eliminate the pain, until they are removed. So I use one whilst I work, which helps a lot, and then remove it when I get home. I also use heat/ice packs to take away the pain. I'm not a fan of pain killers, but I admit to taking them sometimes, I just don't make a habit of it. And finally resting does help, as I said. Normally three or four days of not using my troublesome arm makes a huge difference.

 

[KatCH]

Yeah, unfortunately resting my trouble spot just can't happen. It's my right wrist and I am right handed. Anything from washing dishes, carrying a bag, washing the car, doing a bit of yard work, and then the general day to day typing and work I do just don't help.

I have not tried any hand grips for push ups, but guess I could give it a try. Most of my push ups are done during my kickboxing class and I don’t know that I can just carry hand grips around with me for the whole class. I could use them at home though and will look into it.

As far as a brace goes, do you have any suggestions on a particular brand or where to go to look for one? The ones I've seen at the drugstores mostly have immobilizers in them and I'm looking for something to give me some support while also being flexible.

 

[darren187]

Well the braces I've used in the past are all cheap ones, exactly the same as the ones you get given by the hospital when you injure your wrist.

Every one I've had I was able to remove the metal splint that stops you from twisting the hand, but, I found when I removed the splint the support was ineffective (for me anyway). I can still work fine with the brace on, although doing dishes you would have to remove it because the fabric will no doubt not be waterproof!

I would have thought a brace would give good support during soccer but for boxing I have no idea I'm afraid, it may be worth your while browsing some boxing forums and asking people in that particular field?

As for tendon damage, unless you are able to see a good specialist/physio then I doubt any doctor would be able to give you a definite answer.

Also have you considered doing more arm orientated strength exercises? Your wrist is obviously a weak spot, which you are now avoiding using as you would normally (I assume), so you are not working on it. By using it more (when weight training), but also gently (as to not feel any pain, but be aware you can maybe push it harder), you could build up more strength and overcome this completely?! (just a thought, I've done the same thing with my back).