Wrist Pain. Effing Why though?
++I have been wearing watches for about a year now, and ever since day 2 I have been struggling with pain in my wrist.
My watch collection is still small, consisting of an Addiesdive Flieger, a Vintage 36mm dress watch from Mauthe and a Timex Waterbury Traditional I got for Christmas.
As I only wear my Mauthe for special occasions and have only had a few days to get acquainted with my new Waterbury, my Go-To watch this year has been my Addiesdive:
Frustratingly, whenever I wear my Addiesdive for longer than a Few Hours, my wrist begins to hurt. I usually even have to stop wearing it for a few days after only 72 hours of wear (nap time excluded ofc).
I have a tiny wrist
and already have made more holes in the Strap for the Clasp. I figured I might be wearing it too tightly, but loosening the Strap barely helps at all. To make matters worse, I even feel the pain when wearing my tiny Mauthe, or my Waterbury (which is on a Nato strap and I am wearing right now. In pain I might add)
The very strange thing is this: I used to wear a watch without experiencing this problem. This Pagani Homage to the Longines Spirit to be exact:
Maybe because it has a bracelet? That seems implausible to me, as a bracelet is heavier, BUT I DON´T KNOW.
Does anyone here have a few words of Wisdom and Advice for a despairing young fellow that really doesn't want to give up his love for watches?
Update
Just wanted to thank Everyone for all the kind Words and Advice. It really does seem to be a peculiar Condition, and you have convinced me to go see a doctor.
It's Really lovely the amount of support and Love that goes around on Watchcrunch. I really appreciate it, guys!
I´m a young guy who has only recently found a passion for watches! I'm new to the watch game but excited to embark on my Collecting Journey!
It could be the beginnings of carpel tunnel -- or a symptom of how your wrist rests on a desk and/or pad while you have a watch on.
It could be the beginnings of carpel tunnel -- or a symptom of how your wrist rests on a desk and/or pad while you have a watch on.
CARPEL TUNNEL? I bloody hope not, Jeez😮!
It could be the beginnings of carpel tunnel -- or a symptom of how your wrist rests on a desk and/or pad while you have a watch on.
I will definitely consider taking the watch off when I sit at the desk from now on though. Thanks!
Not a doctor, but doubt it is a watch. My first thought, as someone who’s played a lot of tennis, is some means of tennis elbow, which you do. It have to play tennis to get. If I play regular I can generally expect it to wreak havoc on my wrist.
Just the one wrist, which is presumably for your non-nominant hand?
Just the one wrist, which is presumably for your non-nominant hand?
I haven't really tried wearing a watch on my right wrist for an extended period of time, so I#m not sure, but I am right handed yes.
Maybe you should see a Dr. Maybe you have a fractured wrist bone or something.
As a doctor, my only advice is to see your doctor. Don’t guess, given how bothersome this is. See someone who listens well and does a careful exam. If you don’t have a primary care doc, then see a hand or wrist specialist if you can. Shouldn’t be rocket science for someone to help you figure this out.
I wear my watch all day, everyday and program for a living. I don't have wrist pain. It's obviously abnormal to experience pain with wearing a watch and the etiology could be a number of reasons. Have you tried not wearing your watch for a week and see if you're still experiencing pain?
It's most likely that wearing the watch may be aggravating some underlying issue. Common causes of pain are carpel tunnel or micro-fractures as others have already mentioned.
The best advice anyone here can give you is to consult a doctor, especially if the pain gets worse and becomes debilitating.
How about trying it on your other wrist?
Have you considered soft silicone or Marine Nationals straps - it might be that the leather and bracelets are slightly too inflexible for your wrist movement and you need something much more pliable.
Not a doctor, but doubt it is a watch. My first thought, as someone who’s played a lot of tennis, is some means of tennis elbow, which you do. It have to play tennis to get. If I play regular I can generally expect it to wreak havoc on my wrist.
For what it’s worth, I got tennis elbow from carrying my daughter in one arm for a long time, so there are other ways to get it. It’s never hurt anywhere near my wrist though.
For what it’s worth, I got tennis elbow from carrying my daughter in one arm for a long time, so there are other ways to get it. It’s never hurt anywhere near my wrist though.
Absolutely, for me it is a shooting pain down the wrist.
Absolutely, for me it is a shooting pain down the wrist.
That sucks.
That sucks.
It is not bad when I am not actively playing or doing obstacle races that rely on grip strength. Then again, I really enjoy both of those things!
I get this kind of shooting pain in my wrist when I use my hand too often and too vigorously for... um... well, never mind.
A common problem is sleeping on your side with the arm down and bent at the wrist causing stress. I thought i had carpal because of it. Also wear a 33mm watch now and have to loosen watch a notch for normal swelling.
Well, I Box quite regularly. Do you think it might be that?
Yep, that could do it. Have a Dr. check your arm out.
No more fight club 😂. Seriously though I have slender wrists and I have similar issues with metal bracelets that are a bit too snug. It also helps to not strike inanimate objects when you lose your temper.
I get hurt by watches when I wear them even slightly loose. The heavier they are, the more likely the whack me or hurt with wrist flexion.
I’ve got a runner/cyclist 6“ish wrist as well.
The lighter the watch, the less I’m ever bothered by it. I’m still hoping to get a forged carbon case one of these days for that reason
If weight and flexion not related to the pain then, yup, get in to a GP.
Could be an allergic reaction to the leather? If it didn't happen with steel maybe that's why.
I get a really strange painful feeling in my arm and wrist if I wear my plastic G shock at night even though it's extremely loose. And no issues at all with my titanium Casio.
You could try steel or gold or titanium.
You could also try a plant based diet (only if you supplement B12 and check a few sources online to make sure you're doing it right).
That got rid of my knee pain and as a bonus I haven't had a cold or flu in 7 years which is really nice.
I'm not a doctor. it's just an idea.
I'm sorry to hear about this. Such an unusual condition and I'm thankful I don't have it. Unfortunately no recommendations from me, I don't even know where to start. I hope you find the cause and cure soon!
As a doctor, my only advice is to see your doctor. Don’t guess, given how bothersome this is. See someone who listens well and does a careful exam. If you don’t have a primary care doc, then see a hand or wrist specialist if you can. Shouldn’t be rocket science for someone to help you figure this out.
Thank you for the advice, it seems to be the only way to find out what is wrong here. I nearly started thinking it's psychosomatic as I don't know anyone Irl or Online who reports having this problem. I guess seeing the Doctor is the only way to find out!
Just wanted to thank Everyone for all the kind Words and Advice. It really does seem to be a peculiar Condition, and you have convinced me to go see a doctor.
It's Really lovely the amount of support and Love that goes around on Watchcrunch. I really appreciate it, guys!
Just to piggyback on everyone else, if you’re able to I suggest seeing an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand/wrist. That’s the right person for this. If they want further testing for peripheral nerve issues they will be able to direct you to a neurophysiologist.
Start doing regular pull ups. They really strengthen the wrists.
If it hurts stop doing. It is your body's way of saying knock it off silly. Pushing through joint pain makes it worse. Taking pain drugs is masking a problem... yes the sensible solution is quitting watches on your wrist. Ask dr.Tickyburden if this is sound medical advice... I am just a penguin and have no wrists....
Sending empathy as I have smashed my right wrist up really badly. it might hurt forever. Luckily I’m left handed (and I wear my watches on the left) so it’s not as crippling as it could be.
I would try wearing you watch on the other wrist to see if that does the trick. I had a long time left wrist injury and can only rock my watches on right wrist. May be an old injury?