Locked wrists

[cassidy143]

Hi, I have a question regarding my wrists, maybe the joints in my wrists.

Throughout the past two years or so, I've had multiple incidents of my wrists locking, sometimes it happens randomly, other times I can feel it coming.

There was one specific instance that I knew it was coming.  I was in school, and just after gym I was leaning on both of my hands which were placed flat against the wall between the wall, and my body, one on top of the other.  As I was leaving that position I felt the left wrist lock.

Another time, I was doing absolutely nothing, but sitting on the couch watching a basketball game, and when I went to grab the remote, my left wrist locked.  This was the most excruciating experience.  It took about an hour and a half for me to unlock.

Normally, I can unlock them by pressing slightly while my hand is placed on a flat surface, and my forearm at a 90 degree angle.  When it locked surprisingly, it took a very long time, I worked it back and forth, and under warm water for about an hour and a half.  I was about to go to the ER when I was able to make a fist.  When they lock like this, I have to hold my wrist in a specific position and not move it.  It feels as though my palm and fingers are paralyzed.  I have noticed that the pain is worse in the winter, could this be a problem with my joints and bones because of the cold weather?

Please help.

[cassidy143]

Thank you so much! very helpful

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Wrist locking can be due to arthritis: osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be due to loosening of the wrist bones due to ligament weakness or injury. You may need a MRI of the wrist joint for confirmed diagnosis. Please consult an orthopedic specialist. Take care!


The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.