At first glance the hand does not appear too complicated. However, there are many complex structures packed into a small space. As a result, this can make diagnosing and treating more difficult. The need for specialized healthcare has grown hand in hand with the advancement in medicine, thus leading to a subspecialty of orthopedics that focuses solely on hand and upper extremity problems.
More than half of your bones are located in the hands, wrists, feet, and ankles. A very common site of injury or pain is “ulnar sided wrist pain” or small finger sided wrist pain. When there is an injury to the wrist such as a fracture, ulnar sided wrist pain (TFCC) can linger long after the fracture is healed.
The TFCC is comprised of five ligamentous structures that forms what is most easily described as, a trampoline with a safety cage. “When the cage is damaged the trampoline is no longer safe.” Stated Dr. Suzanne Elton.
Another way to imagine the TFCC is comparing it to the meniscus of the knee. When damaged, it can cause pain, catching, popping, and sometimes functional limitations.
Given the complexity of the wrist, including the complex anatomy in that area, there can be numerous diagnoses all requiring different treatments or surgeries, also varying in significance.
If you find yourself having ulnar sided wrist pain there are a few things you can do to treat yourself.
First, modify your activities that are causing the stress. Second, consider purchasing a wrist brace and wearing it with the activities that cause you the most discomfort. Third, if approved by your medical provider, take a consistent course of oral NSAIDs for 1-2 weeks. The NSAID family includes Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Naproxen, Celebrex, or Meloxicam (Mobic).
Finally, if these treatments do not resolve the ulnar sided wrist pain then the problem may be bigger than home remedies can solve. Make an appointment with a hand specialist provider. Let them know what all you have tried to fix your issue, who knows, you may impress them with your knowledge of the complexities of the wrist.
Your provider may offer a cortisone injection or recommend further testing such as an MRI or CT scan to better visualize the tiny wrist structures.
If you need help, do not hesitate to call our office. We are always here, ready to help!
Author: Stephanie Jones
Source:
https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/ulnar-wrist-pain