From the Guidelines
Radial wrist pain after weightlifting is most likely caused by conditions such as De Quervain's tenosynovitis, wrist sprains, or stress fractures, and initial evaluation should include wrist radiographs as the best initial imaging examination 1. When considering the potential causes of radial wrist pain after weightlifting, several factors come into play, including repetitive stress, improper form during exercises, and inadequate warm-up.
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis, which is inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, is a common cause of radial wrist pain.
- Wrist sprains and stress fractures of the scaphoid bone are also potential causes of radial wrist pain after weightlifting.
- Initial treatment involves rest, ice application, compression with a wrist brace or wrap, and elevation, as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation.
- If pain persists beyond 1-2 weeks, worsens significantly, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or visible deformity, medical evaluation is necessary, and MRI without IV contrast is usually appropriate when radiographs are normal or equivocal in a patient with radial-sided pain 1. Some key points to consider in the evaluation and management of radial wrist pain after weightlifting include:
- Proper warm-up and maintaining correct form during exercises to prevent injury.
- Gradually increasing weights and using wrist wraps for support during heavy lifts.
- Incorporating wrist-strengthening exercises into your routine to prevent future injuries.
- Seeking medical evaluation if pain persists or worsens over time, or if accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
From the Research
Radial Wrist Pain After Weightlifting
- The exact cause of radial wrist pain after weightlifting is not directly addressed in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on bone healing and pain management after fractures or muscle injuries 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- One study found that NSAID use was associated with a small to medium decrease in markers of injury, such as strength loss, soreness, and blood creatine kinase level, after an acute muscle injury 4.
- Another study conditionally recommended the use of NSAIDs in patients with traumatic fractures, as they appear to reduce post-trauma pain and the need for opioids, despite a small potential risk of non-union 5.
- The management of pain associated with fractures, including the use of multimodal pain control and NSAIDs, is discussed in several studies 5, 6.
- However, the specific cause of radial wrist pain after weightlifting is not addressed in these studies, and further research would be needed to determine the underlying causes of this type of pain.