Question
QUESTION: Hello, I am a Uniited States Marine, and here recently I have injured my wrist in a football game in Iraq. It is going on three months now. I have had everything from X-Rays, to a CT scan to a MRI with the Anthrogram and there telling me everything is ok. When I put the least amount of pressure on it, it feels like it is going to explode. What can this be? And how long should I let this go on? They say I have a sprained ligament? Thanks Sgt Coots

ANSWER: Dear Sgt. Coots

Before I even broach your question, I want to thank you for serving our country and putting yourself in the line of danger each day.  My prayers go out to all those who are in Iraq each and every day and my prayers stay with you all to return to us soon and safe.

Now to your question, unfortunately my expertise is not in the area where your problem is.  But from my experience, if nothing shows up on a diagnostic test, such as the ones you have had, they are probably right in assuming that a ligament or tendon has been torn or sprained.  I have hurt tendons in my arms before and it is extremely painful.

The only thing that troubles me is that you say the pain is so bad you feel as if your arm is going to explode.  I wonder if you can ask if there is possible nerve damage in the area.  Torn ligaments and tendons hurt, but not to the point that you are talking about.  But then again, each of us has a different pain tolerance.

I'm not trying to make light of this, but I'd rather have seen you hurt yourself in a football game in Iraq than other options in that area.  Please bring up the possibility of nerve damage to the doctors and ask what you can do for pain managment in case the diagnosis is correct and you have hurt a ligament.  Torn or sprained ligaments can take a long time to heal.

In the meantime, keep out of danger, and stay safe, we are all praying for you here in the States.

Regards,

Sharon Davis

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok now can a MRI show nerve damage? I was told it can but they say nothing is wrong. My problem is I have a school to go to as soon as I get back from Iraq which is very physical and demanding, so they have me doing physical thereapy which seems to be absolutely point less. The weird side of it, is it only painfull when putting pressure, as doing push ups. I'll bring it up about nerve damage but I was told an MRI shows EVERYTHING

Answer
Hi Brian

As I said, your injury is really out of my expertise, I was just talking from my experience, so I really feel out of place talking about diagnostic testing.

See what happens with the doctor when you ask about nerve damage.  I'm not sure the MRI shows everything, or not.

sharon