Experiencing Hand Pain—What Are My Options?
I’ve been dealing with a ganglion cyst on the inside of my wrist on my dominant hand for over a year. Typically, it’s painless, and if I do feel discomfort, it usually fades quickly. However, yesterday the pain intensified significantly. I thought it would improve, but more than 24 hours later, it seems to be getting worse. I can hardly move my hand or touch the cyst itself—I’m even typing this with my other hand!
The timing couldn’t be worse, as I have a lot of work to complete, most of which requires my hands and can’t be done digitally. With it being the second-to-last week of the quarter, these projects are essentially my finals, and I’m feeling really stressed about it.
Update: I found out that the nearby Urgent Care doesn’t accept my insurance (out-of-state Medicaid), and my college doesn’t provide insurance options either. I went to the hospital, which is the only place my insurance covers. They attempted to drain the cyst, but it wasn’t very effective. I’ll have to wait and see how I feel tomorrow.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re in so much pain. It’s really tough to deal with that, especially when you have so much on your plate. Since you’ve already gone to the hospital and they drained the cyst, that’s a positive step. Make sure to follow any post-treatment care instructions they gave you.
In the meantime, here are a few things you might try to manage the pain and support your hand while you recover:
Rest and Elevate: Try to avoid using that hand as much as possible. Keeping it elevated can help reduce swelling.
Ice: Applying ice to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time may help with pain and swelling. Just be sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect your skin.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If it’s safe for you, consider taking over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage the discomfort.
Gentle Movement: If it feels okay, gently moving your fingers and wrist can help maintain mobility, but avoid pushing yourself into any pain.
Talk to Your Professors: Given the circumstances, reaching out to your professors might help. They may be able to offer extensions or alternative ways to complete your assignments, considering your situation.
Seek Further Medical Advice: If the pain worsens or doesn’t improve soon, consider following up with a hand specialist who can explore other treatment options.
Take care of yourself, and hopefully, you’ll feel better soon!