My right wrist has been hurting for the past few weeks, especially when I move it or lift things. It's also slightly swollen and tender to the touch. I haven't had any injuries that I can remember. Could this be carpal tunnel syndrome? What treatments would you recommend?
Below.
Tom, a 30-year-old male, reports right wrist pain for the past few weeks, especially with movement or lifting. The wrist is slightly swollen and tender to the touch. No injuries are recalled. He inquires if it could be carpal tunnel syndrome and seeks treatment recommendations.
Tendinitis (70%) - Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive motion or overuse. It can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (30%) - This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist. It typically causes pain, numbness, and tingling, but swelling is less common.
Based on your symptoms of pain, swelling, and tenderness in the wrist without a specific injury, the most likely diagnosis is tendinitis. Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons, often due to repetitive motion or overuse. This condition can cause significant discomfort, especially with movement or lifting objects. Carpal tunnel syndrome is less likely because it usually presents with numbness and tingling rather than swelling. To manage tendinitis, rest and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can also alleviate pain and inflammation. If symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend physical therapy or a corticosteroid injection. If you experience worsening symptoms or if the pain does not improve with initial treatments, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
This situation does not appear to be an emergency, but you should seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
This document is not intended as medical advice or a replacement for professional medical consultation. It provides general guidance for initial diagnosis and suggests questions to discuss with a healthcare provider. Always seek personalized medical advice from a qualified physician or healthcare provider. For questions contact us at hi@doctola.com