Hello - How many of you use one wrist brace, etc on a regular bases? I've been tested for everything under the sun and nothing is really being found but I still have issues with my left arm/wrist, etc. I have a wrist brace I was wearing for awhile and I'm thinking about using it again. Do any of you use braces on a regular basis now because of things like this?
Since I wrote last, I am going gor tests for Rheumatiod Arthritis and Osteoarthritis next few weeks. I probably won’t know the results beginnjng of the year.
I used wrist braces for almost a year after I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Then I gave up all caffeine and I didn’t need the braces any more.
I had a TFCC tear (the stabilising and shock-absorbing cartilage) in my right wrist. After 6 years, every diagnostic imaging there is, and a few "we'll try this"-surgeries, I finally came to a surgeon who knew about it. He went in with a camera, found it and stitched it. Turns out, it can only be confirmed either with MRI with contrast fluid, or through athroscopy. Given that it took so long, my wrist will never heal properly, so I wear a brace now and then to rest the tendons and ligaments. All the unnecessary surgeries also gave me hypersensitivity in the ulnar nerve, which already was slightly pinched, so I wear an elbow brace as well, to minimise any stimulation to the nerve.
I also have the cracking, with the crunchy/gritty feeling. Had a diagnostic ultrasound a looong time ago, where the assistant doing it said it felt like my synovial fluid had potato starch in it. But they left it like that and did nothing.
With my experience being what it is, I recommend trying to see a good orthopaedic surgeon, maybe one that specialises in hands, and maybe mention TFCC tear when you're there, if the issue is worse on the side of the pinky.
Cartilage takes a long time to heal under good circumstances, I hope you figure it out and that it is something else. And I hope your hand feels better soon.
I also have the need to crack my wrists because they feel stiff. Usually is the left one more then my right one. I don't know what it causes it, I just pop it back in place.
I think sometimes i don't pay attention and I over do it with my hands. anything like scrubbing, sweeping or simply holding my phone to watch a video it seems like it puts stress on my wrist.
I just have my husband massage my wrist when is hurting and take my celebrex.
I also asked on here about wrist, finger, thumb braves or supports a little while back. While some use them it was neither here nor there as to their benefit. I am going to get wrist and finger supports merely because I do use sticks and I think it would help my hands to have them. The medication is one thing but I think there is a necessity sometimes to listen to the body we are in. I suffer with osteoarthritis, osteotyphosis, jhs, reynauls Phenomenon among other things.
I have nothing but respect for doctors (most of them) however for all the initials and letters after their names, they are not living my life, suffering excessive pain from random and small movements or motion. I live inside this body and right now it feels like a prison, so I dont listen and adhere to EVERYTHING they say, one of which was to not bother with supports as they did nothing, just take the medication he prescribed. I do take the meds but they arent always enough so I feel I should listen to my gut and get the supports.
Another tip from someone here was heat pads or hot water bottles. I think during this time of year particularly, it would be a great help.
I hope this helps you @A MyFibroTeam Member. I am going to apply a few things for sure and I will be listening to my instincts about this too.