- Ice the joint for 10 minutes at a time.
- Compress the area with an ace bandage.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen for pain or swelling.
Can a TFCC tear heal on its own?
In many cases, a TFCC tear will heal on its own . However, a person will need to avoid using the affected wrist to prevent further injury and to allow it to heal properly. A healthcare professional may also recommend wearing a splint, brace, or cast to protect and immobilize the wrist.
How do I know if my TFCC is torn?
The main symptom of a TFCC tear is pain along the outside of your wrist , though you might also feel pain throughout your entire wrist. The pain may be constant or only appear when you move your wrist or apply pressure to it. Other symptoms of a TFCC tear include: a clicking or popping sound when you move your wrist.
How do you recover from a TFCC injury?
Recovery usually takes a few weeks for TFCC tears that don’t require surgery. However, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months before you regain full use of your wrist if you do need surgery. Doing physical therapy and avoiding activities that strain your wrist can help speed up your recovery time.
How does a TFCC injury occur?
TFCC injury often occurs when a load is compressed on the TFCC while the wrist is in ulnar deviation . Common causes of forced ulnar deviation include swinging a racket or a bat.
How long does it take for a TFCC tear to heal?
TFCC tears that do not require surgery can take as long as 12 weeks to heal. If you have surgery to repair the TFCC, your doctor will prescribe a brace to keep the wrist immobilized for up to six weeks after surgery. A TFCC tear can take as long as three months to heal after surgery.
Why is my TFCC not healing?
The cartilage and ligaments composing the TFCC are prone to degeneration and tearing. They do not have a good blood supply and therefore, injuries do not heal well .
How successful is TFCC surgery?
Acute peripheral TFCC tears which have been repaired within 3 months of injury give 60-90% good – excellent results, with 80-90% grip strength and range of motion compared to the contralateral side. Delayed repairs give less predictable results.
Can you lift weights with TFCC tear?
In all cases, during the initial inflammatory period rest (so no training, lifting or gymnastics), ice and immobilization are the recommended protocols. The best position for the injured wrist is in a neutral position (see left) and supported by a brace.
Is TFCC surgery painful?
Symptoms after TFCC repair surgery
You will experience some pain which you will be given pain relief for. Your wrist will appear swollen and may be tender to touch therefore you will be advised to keep your wrist elevated above the level of your heart as much as possible.
How can I improve my TFCC?
- Wrist flexion: Hold a can or hammer handle in your hand with your palm facing up. Bend your wrist upward. ...
- Wrist extension: Hold a soup can or small weight in your hand with your palm facing down. ...
- Grip strengthening: Squeeze a soft rubber ball and hold the squeeze for 5 seconds.
How long does it take for ulnar wrist pain to heal?
Your wrist hurts because you have stretched or torn ligaments, which connect the bones in your wrist. Wrist sprains usually take from 2 to 10 weeks to heal, but some take longer. Usually, the more pain you have, the more severe your wrist sprain is and the longer it will take to heal.
When can I drive after TFCC surgery?
It is recommended that you avoid driving for at least 2 months after the surgery . Recovery is faster after arthroscopic surgery when compared to the open technique. Being minimally invasive, the arthroscopic procedure is associated with a shorter hospital stay and less post-procedural pain and scar formation.
What is the function of the TFCC?
Biomechanical studies suggest that the TFCC functions both as a cushion for the ulnar carpus and as a major stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint . Perforations of the TFCC can result in the ulna-lunate abutment and cartilage erosion.
Can TFCC cause elbow pain?
Ulnar Tear is when the TFCC tears are located at the ulna side of the forearm. SYMPTOMS: The most common sensations experienced with TFCC tear include clicking, popping, or pain on the ulnar or pinky side of the wrist.
When do you wear a wrist widget?
Wear before, during, and after physical activity without the fear of skin and wrist irritation . The WristWidget is a single size that fits that right and left wrist. The hook and loop strapping is easy to adjust for more or less support, and will not interfere with wrist motion.
