Wrist Problem Question

[S.Irons]

I broke my wrist about two and one-half years ago and since then I have had quite a bit of pain in it off and on. The strange thing is the pain is not even in the location that the break was at.

I have been playing a lot of golf and recently when I worked with my pro and changed my grip it really started hurting more. Now that I am used to the new grip it is hurting a little less when I play but there is still some pretty constant pain there.

First of all I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experiance and knows of something to aleviate the pain other than poping some Advil before or after I play.

And Primarily I am wondering if anyone has tried the magnetic or copper bracelets that are supposed to relieve wrist pain or has any experience with these types of "gimic-y" products. I know these are primarily targeted at people suffering from arthritis but figured if it actually does help that it might help me. This is why I posted this question in the equipment section--because that is the main thing I am wondering about.

Thanks alot.

[who00knows]

I had the exact same problem after my first lesson. I think my muscles, bones, structure were so used to my bad swing that it just takes a while to get things straight. I got blisters on top of blisters on top of blisters. My wrist killed me for around 3 weeks, all is well now.

[S.Irons]

Thanks for the hope that things will get better. Unfortunately, my wrist was hurting before I made the swing changes because it was broken a couple of years ago and has been hurting ever since. It was only hurting more than normal because of the swing changes and now that I am comfortable with and used to those changes it has now gone back to hurting the "normal" ammount. It is not unbearable and I really should probably just see a doctor about it but I was just curious if anyone has had experience with these supposedly "quick-fix" bracelets and such that are designed to releive wrist pain. Thanks again.

[Donald MacKenzie]

S. Irons: I had surgery on my right wrist two years ago to alleviate persistent tendinitis, which could probably be attributed at least in part to hitting too many balls. I still have soreness in the area after I play, but other things (working in the yard, picking up my kids, etc.) are more troublesome than golf.

I've tried some of the various copper/magnetic/ionized bracelets. I can't say they've really made a difference. Sorry. No magic bullet.

What does make a difference is stretching the area and doing exercises to strengthen the wrist muscles. I had physical therapy on the area following my surgery, and was given several movements that do help. I would recommend seeing an orthopedist who specializes in wrist/hand stuff, and they should be able to point you in the right direction. I also have a splint that I wear for biking (a tough activity with wrist problems) that makes things a lot better.

One other thing. A doctor friend suggests doing a higher-than-normal course of ibuprofen for a week to see if that helps this sort of pain/inflammation. When I get a flare-up, I take four Advils four times a day for a week. That's not enough to cause any damage, but certainly enough to kill a minor inflammation. If you still have pain after that, you'll definitely want to see a specialist.

Hope this helps.

D

[S.Irons]

Thanks for the info about this problem. I am glad to hear something about the bracelets even if they are not a cure-all for my pain. After hearing this I will probably not look into getting one.

I do try and do some stretching before I play and basically anytime I think about it or am feeling sore. When I broke my wrist I was supposed to get some exercises/stretches/movements from my doctor but never did. At the time I wasn't too concerned about it but now I wish I would have. I am probably going to see a doctor sometime soon for a general check-up and will ask about this stuff when I do. The suggestion about Ibuprofen sounds like a pretty good idea to me and I think I will most likely give that a try in the meanwhile. Thanks again for the information.