Yes, repeatedly punching walls or other hard objects can potentially cause long-term damage to your hands and wrists. The force generated from punching can lead to various injuries, such as fractures, sprains, strains, and even damage to the tendons, ligaments, and nerves in your hands.
Over time, repetitive impact on the hands and wrists can contribute to conditions like chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and joint degeneration. Arthritis is a condition where the cartilage protecting the joints wears down, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced joint mobility. While punching walls for a limited period may not guarantee future health issues, it can increase the risk of long-term damage to the musculoskeletal system.
It is essential to seek medical attention if you have any pain, swelling, or discomfort in your hands or wrists. A healthcare professional can properly assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment or recommendations to prevent further damage.
Given your history of punching walls due to PTSD, it is also crucial to address the underlying emotional and psychological challenges you may be facing. Seeking professional help from mental health experts, such as therapists or counselors, can help you find healthier coping mechanisms and manage your PTSD in a more constructive way. There are various therapeutic interventions and coping strategies available to assist you in managing your emotions and responses to stress triggers.
Remember, self-harming behaviors like punching walls are not effective long-term solutions and can lead to further physical and emotional harm. It's essential to prioritize your well-being and safety by seeking support and exploring healthier outlets for managing stress and emotions.