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EMT, Lifted A Very Heavy Weight, Immediate Tearing Sensation On Ulnar Side Of Wrist. What Happened ?
i am an emt and tonight lifted a very heavy pt approximately 375-400lb pt. into the back of our rig. when this happened I had an immediate tearing sensation on the ulnar side of my wrist ...then turned to burning radiating from my wrist to ring finger and pinky up to my elbow . I have movement but pain and wrist feels like it is on fire. Little movements dont hurt anywhere near as badly as larger or if i try and pick something up. What have I done to myself? I am now off work and going to be seeing my ortho asap but wanted an idea of what i could have done. I do also have a hx of RA
Sat, 10 Aug 2013
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
Based on your history, I suspect a collateral ligament injury in the wrist.
An xray is needed to rule out any bony injury. Ligament injuries can only be diagnosed by MRI scan to know the extent of damage.
The initial management for these injuries would be as follows -
* Protection - of the injured area either by a sling support or a splint
* Rest - to the involved part
* Ice packing once in 2 hours to suppress the pain
* Elastic compression bandage around the swollen area
* Limb elevation with active finger movements to resolve the swelling
* Analgesic & anti inflammatory medicines as needed.
If your symptoms are not resolving within few days, an orthopedic surgeons consultation is needed.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
Based on your history, I suspect a collateral ligament injury in the wrist.
An xray is needed to rule out any bony injury. Ligament injuries can only be diagnosed by MRI scan to know the extent of damage.
The initial management for these injuries would be as follows -
* Protection - of the injured area either by a sling support or a splint
* Rest - to the involved part
* Ice packing once in 2 hours to suppress the pain
* Elastic compression bandage around the swollen area
* Limb elevation with active finger movements to resolve the swelling
* Analgesic & anti inflammatory medicines as needed.
If your symptoms are not resolving within few days, an orthopedic surgeons consultation is needed.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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