Experiencing Hand Pain: What Should I Do?
I’ve had a ganglion cyst on the inside of my wrist for over a year now, typically without any discomfort. Occasionally, it would hurt a bit, but the pain usually subsided quickly. However, yesterday was a different story; the pain became intense. I thought it would improve with time, but more than 24 hours later, it’s actually gotten worse. I’m struggling to move my hand or even touch the cyst, and I’m currently typing this with my other hand.
The timing couldn’t be worse—I have a lot of work to do, much of which requires my hands and can’t be done digitally. With finals approaching in the last week of the quarter, the pressure is on, and honestly, I’m feeling pretty panicked about it.
Update: I discovered that the nearby Urgent Care doesn’t accept my insurance (out-of-state Medicaid), and my college doesn’t provide any insurance options either. So, I went to the hospital, which is the only place my insurance covers. They attempted to drain the cyst, but the relief was minimal. I’ll have to wait and see how I feel tomorrow.
I’m really sorry to hear about your pain; that sounds incredibly frustrating, especially with your finals approaching. It’s good that you sought medical attention, even if the drainage didn’t provide much relief right away. Here are a few suggestions that might help you manage the pain and get through this tough time:
Rest and Elevation: Try to give your hand as much rest as possible. Keeping your wrist elevated can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the area for 15-20 minutes every hour can help manage pain and inflammation. Just be sure to wrap the ice in a cloth to avoid skin damage.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen might help. Just be sure to follow the recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Gentle Mobility: If you feel able, try gently moving your fingers and wrist to maintain some mobility without straining it too much. But listen to your body—if it’s too painful, stop.
Plan for Accommodations: If possible, speak with your instructors about your situation. They may grant extensions or allow you to complete your work in a way that doesn’t require heavy use of your hand.
Follow Up: Keep an eye on the cyst. If it continues to worsen or you develop other symptoms, definitely reach out to a healthcare provider again.
Take care of yourself, and remember that your health is the priority right now. Hopefully, things improve for you soon!