Santa Rosa, CA
A 35-year-old female asked:
i have pain and swelling on the pinky side of my wrist when i move it side to side. no trauma to it though. what could it be?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Charles Dagostino answered
Internal Medicine 26 years experience
Wrist pain: It is most likely soft tissue such as a ligament or tendon swollen. This will usually respond to a course of anti-inflammatories. You need to take them for 5-7 days straight as prescribed. It's like putting out a fire, you have to keep pouring water on it. Make sure it's safe for you to take anti-inflammatories first. For example, don't take if you have kidney issues or pregnant.
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Dr. John Erickson answered
Hand Surgery 17 years experience
Possible sprain: The ulnar-side of the wrist is vulnerable to injury. There is a structure called the tfcc in this location which can be sprained or stressed during activities which involve rotation of the forearm or deviating the wrist to the side. Sometimes people cannot recall an injury. I recommend having it examined by a hand specialist if it does not improve with rest, wrist brace, and anti-inflammatory meds.
5092 views
Dr. Jeffrey Wint answered
Hand Surgery 35 years experience
Ulnar sided wrist : Pain can be due to a range of conditions from tendonitis, tendon wear, ligaments, nerve compression, cartilage tears, bone anatomy, infection, inflammatory conditions such as arthritis ( many casuses) and even more. If pain and swelling persist beyond simple conservative treatment of ice, rest, antiinflammatories then one should seek care.
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Similar questions
A 43-year-old member asked:
Pain and swelling on pinky side of wrist, is there anything i can use for this?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Barry Callahan answered
Hand Surgery 31 years experience
NSAID's: A common cause of wrist pain on that side (ulnar sided wrist pain) is a tear in a cartilage disc there called the tfcc. I always start treatment with the easy stuff so get a comfortable wrist wrap or splint from cvs, walgreens, walmart and wear routinely for a month. Also if no allergies or other problems take otc Motrin 400mg three times a day with food for a full month. If no help go to doc.
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Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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