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Broken wrist?

April 7th, 2013 at 02:13 pm

I’m wondering if I could possibly have a broken wrist from having lifted a log in a weird way Thursday night.

As mentioned earlier, I was doing some yard work after work that day. The log I picked up was not the heaviest I’ve ever handled, but as I walked toward the wheelbarrow to dump it in there, I think I was holding my arm out extended, away from my body, and I could feel the pain as I did so.

I finished up the work shortly afterwards and pushed the wheelbarrow into the driveway. It wasn’t til the following morning when I sat down to my computer at work that I realized how much my wrist ached. I’m thinking it’s the swelling that’s causing that, and that’s why it didn’t hurt so much initially?

My wrist is still super, super painful today, 3 days later. I’m typing with just 1 finger on that arm, and it hurts even to hold a fork or spoon in that hand. It’s my left hand and yes, I am left-handed.

It occurred to me that I could have broken my wrist…that’s how painful it is. So I did some quick online research and while they say wrist fractures are the most common place to break a bone, it usually happens when someone falls down the stairs and lands on their hand, or due to a sports injury.

I can’t decide whether or not to go and have it x-rayed. If it’s just a torn ligament/tendon, I’d rather not spend the money. On the other hand, they say if you think you might have a break it’s important to get it checked out quickly becus if the bone isn’t set in the right position, it will heal that way and you could have lingering problems with it.

My range of motion with it right now without pain is next to nothing. Over the counter pain meds are helping quite a bit, but without taking them, it’s nearly intolerable. Last night I went to bed without taking another pain med and it really interfered with my sleep, so I got up around 2 am to take a pill. Don’t know if I should wait a few more days to see if the swelling recedes or try to schedule something now since my off days from work are Mondays and Tuesdays.

10 Responses to “Broken wrist?”

  1. creditcardfree Says:
    1365340818

    I think the not knowing and waiting can be very hard. I would get an x ray simply to know one way or the other.

  2. Donna Says:
    1365347997

    Torn tendons and ligaments need treatment, too. You need to know what you have so you can treat it properly. I'd spend the money on the X-ray.

  3. Petunia 100 Says:
    1365351984

    You could have a hairline fracture. Those don't need to be "set", since the bone is still attached, but they do need a cast to protect from jarring as the bone heals.

    Since you are in pain (not just sore) 3 days later, you need to have it checked. Smile

  4. Looking Forward Says:
    1365353190

    You know best how you are feeling. SO whatever you chose will be the right answer for you.
    I am more of a non-alarmest so I might just get a brace at the drug store and take 800mg of Ibuprofen 2-3 times a day as needed. If no improvement after x# of days then I'd get seen.

  5. snafu Says:
    1365353678

    Swelling adds and new dimension to your wrist issue. Awakening in pain in the night adds another. Another voice now advocating an x-ray to confirm whether you've a break.

  6. Ima saver Says:
    1365354384

    I would go for the x ray too. I susre hope you feel better quickly.

  7. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1365354645

    It can be one of a number of problems. I agree with LF that you know best- it could be a ligament or tendon. You could have strained it..I would be surprised if it is broken...but YOU know how it feels and your level of concern- which is what should guide what you do. What I DO KNOW, is that, with everything else, you dont need this to have to worry about!! {{{hugs}}}

  8. rob62521 Says:
    1365361805

    I'm sorry you hurt. Hope you make a decision that is best for you...sometimes you have to spend money on things like an x-ray just to make sure...peace of mind is often priceless.

  9. Joan.of.the.Arch Says:
    1365432967

    Any change this morning?

  10. patientsaver.com Says:
    1365437040

    Yes, thank you for asking. I popped a Motrin PM last night, slept very well and awoke with a wrist feeling MUCH better. I think becus the swelling is down. Still stiff when i try to turn it, but feeling SO much better. What a difference a day makes.

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