Why does my wrist pain not resolve after two weeks of the wrist injury?

Question

Hello doctor,

I needed a second opinion about my medical records. The doctor told me I was excused from work for only one day due to my wrist injury. I feel like I should have been given more time off from unloading packages off trucks. I have complained of left wrist pain for the last two weeks due to a blunt injury while moving the boxes at work as I work for UPS. I have been icing it, resting, and taking the tablet Tylenol as needed for the last two weeks. My swelling has gone down, and I am improving slowly, but I still have some pain. I do not have any tingling, numbness, or weakness in the left hand. Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Reviewing your records, it appears that they diagnosed you with a left wrist sprain. As I cannot examine you, it is hard to tell if it is just a wrist sprain or if you have associated tendinitis. If it is a pure wrist sprain, it usually recovers within two weeks, and lifting light weights is appropriate. However, if it is tendinitis, you will need occupational therapy, a splint, and high-dose anti-inflammatory agents with associated job restrictions. If you can move your wrist with no pain, then taking a day or two off is appropriate; however, if you continue to experience pain, swelling, or discomfort with the movement of your wrist, arm, or fingers, then this needs further investigation and management. In that situation, you would benefit from more time off depending upon the findings of the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). If this is only a wrist splint, one to three days are required to rest and recover. If your symptoms are returning, please consult the human resources in the occupational health department because this will need further investigation and perhaps more job modification.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You have the right to a second opinion. Did you speak to the provider through worker compensation? Maybe they should refer you to another provider. This needs a thorough examination. Without examination and just going by the documented findings, it is hard to judge if she was wrong. Even if she was in her judgment, there has been documented improvement in your symptoms which will justify the short duration. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.