Wrist pain

I have been unable to wear my Fenix 7s on my left wrist for about 3 weeks now. I noticed extremely sharp jolting pain in my wrist when I moved my arm a certain way and this has persisted. It also feels a bit tingly and sensitive. I switched it to my right arm and even reversed the bands and wear it loosely. Sometimes I don’t wear it at all as I find it’s a bit irritating (itchy). I will actually book an appt with a Dr now as I’d like to get some relief and find out if this nerve pain will go away and how long it will take.  I’m wondering if anyone has had a similar issue but it resolved? I had a fenix 5s previously with no issues and I just bought this new fenix 7s in August 2023 because my old one died in July 2023.

Update: I’ve done some reading and it seems that the likely culprit is the metal clasp on the watch has caused the pain to the median nerve. I was wearing my watch tight so it wouldn’t jiggle when running and it could capture the data from the sensors. It seems that this has happened to others - I’m curious to hear if the pain they experienced has gone away, as I’m going on 3 weeks now and will be seeing my Dr. Tomorrow. 

  • I climb and trail run regularly and have had all sorts of wrist injuries. I'm very confident it's not the watch given the symptoms. If it was, it'd show up as a dermal issues (rashes etc due to bacterial build up). What you're explaining sounds like tendon or TFCC related, e.g. repetitive use or injury from a fall.

  • Try this type of strap, very light and pleasant to wear during activity. You can adjust it without pain and it should improve WHR.

  • As socorsu suggested, a nylon strap is much more comfortable than the rubber one.

    At night I switch wrist to give some relieve to my left one

  • I can echo this. I wore my Fenix 3 sapphire for almost 7 years on my left wrist and never had an issue. I've been wearing my Fenix 7x on the same wrist, in the same manner for about 1.5 years now. 

    Because I have had eczema for 35 years, I have ALWAYS taken my watch off at night to let my skin breathe, and I'm mindful of wearing it too tight. 
    About two months ago, I started noticing pain in my left arm/wrist. At first, I shrugged it off to be something else, but finally, I decided it was likely the watch giving me pain. So I switched wrists. After two weeks of not wearing the watch on my left wrist, the pain started to dissipate. A month after switching wrists, my right wrist is now hurting in a similar manner.  
    So what I'm having is nerve issues in my wrist/hand/arm. I keep adjusting the slot to loosen/tighten my watch, and none of the options are working well for me. Basically, I'm getting pain that shoots up my arm. I've found knots in my forearm that I've massaged regularly. 
    To test this, I tried my left wrist two days ago, and within hours it was hurting, so the watch went back to my right wrist. 
    The issue has gotten worse and I woke up yesterday at 5am with my wrist and hand "burning" on the inside. I've never experienced such a thing. I went to Urgent Care yesterday, they gave me a brace and a referral to an orthopedic. It was agreed with the staff that it is likely a nerve issue. My hands are both swollen now, though the left one is worse, to a point I can't put on my engagement ring any more. 
    Some thoughts I'm having, the nub that sticks out with the sensors, I wonder if that is what is helping to cause it. It might be putting too much pressure on the area? That is the only difference between my Fenix 3 and 7, the sensors. I have to find my charging cable, but will likely go back to my Fenix 3, once I can wear a watch again. So disappointed. 
    Already reached out to Garmin, just waiting to hear from someone. 
  • I tried to reach out to Garmin but was unable to as the submit button was disabled so I couldn’t send a message. No one has contacted me about this, so if you could share the email address you used that would be great. 

    I did go to a doctor and physio and was told to wear a brace and was given some exercises. This is over a month and a half now, of the numbness and weakness/ sharp pain. Good news is they think it will get better just takes time and care..

  • Curious, what kind of exercises did you get?

    I was handed some simple carpal tunnel exercises (though I do not have a diagnosis of carpal tunnel).

    The brace is the only thing alleviating the pain so far, the "burning" feeling has stopped. Now just waiting for the hand/wrist swelling to go down. 

    Can confirm [email protected] is the email I have. 

    I connected with a kind, empathetic employee today, and we are in dialogue to find a solution. No solution yet, as we are still brainstorming, but I so appreciate feeling the support from this employee. :) 

  • Probably Similar carpal tunnel type exercises like stretching my forearm behind me, to kind of “floss” the nerve. I do not have carpel tunnel. My physio also noted that since I am a petit person, the watch is too big, even with the smallest one available. So for now I am still not wearing it on my left wrist, I’ve reversed the straps so it’s not sitting on my nerve and yes I don’t wear it tightly or for as long. 

  • This reminds me of a teaser. Bob went to his doctor and said, doc I don't know what it is but every time I have a cup of tea my right eye hurt. The doc looked at him and his eye and said next time take the little spoon out of your cup before drinking your tea....

    Don't wear the watch so tight, it doesn't have to be.