If you’ve ever sprained your wrist, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. It isn’t easy to do everyday tasks, but the healing process can seem like it takes forever. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about How to treat a sprained wrist- from treating them properly to when you should see a doctor. We’ll also provide some helpful tips on how to speed up the healing process!
So, how do you treat a sprained wrist? The first step is to ice the area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication if you’re in discomfort. Once the swelling has gone down, you can start doing gentle exercises to regain your range of motion. It’s important not to push yourself too hard, as this could delay the healing process.
What is a wrist sprain?
Wrist sprains are an injury to the ligaments in the wrist. Ligaments are the tissues that connect your bones.
When you sprain your wrist, one or more ligaments have been stretched or torn.
This can be a severe injury, making it difficult to move your wrist or grip anything. X-rays might be taken to rule out a broken bone or tell how bad the sprain is.
Grades of sprained wrists
There are three grades, or severity levels, of wrist sprains:
- Grade I: A mild sprain that stretches or slightly tears the ligament. You might have some pain and swelling.
- Grade II: A moderate sprain that partially tears the ligament. You’ll likely have more pain and swelling than a grade I sprain.
- Grade III: A severe sprain that completely tears the ligament. This is a severe injury with significant swelling and bruising.
Symptoms of a wrist sprain
Symptoms might include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, and deformity of the wrist. A sprained wrist may also make it difficult or impossible to move the wrist.
Even a mild wrist sprain could have torn or stretched ligaments. A more severe sprain might even involve a broken bone and an aid might be necessary.
If you have any of these symptoms and think you might have a sprained wrist, it’s essential to seek medical advice. Depending on the severity of your sprain, you might need X-rays or other imaging tests to rule out a fracture.
How can you get a sprained wrist?
There are many ways you can sprain your wrist. However, the most common way is by falling on an outstretched hand.
This puts a lot of stress on the ligaments in your wrist and can cause them to tear or stretch.
You can also get a sprained wrist from twisting it too much or from impact during sports or other activities.
What should you do right after you get a sprained wrist?
If you think you have a wrist sprain, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
A physician will be able to properly diagnose the injury and recommend the best course of action to treat the wrist.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help manage the pain and or swelling.
- Rest your wrist. Avoid any activities that require the use of the injured wrist.
- Apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes, several times a day.
- Wrap your wrist in an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
If you are experiencing severe pain, numbness, or tingling in your wrist, or if you cannot move your wrist or fingers, it is vital to see a doctor right away as these may be signs of a more severe injury.
Treatment for a sprained wrist may include immobilization in a splint or cast, physical therapy, and surgery.
Depending on the severity of the sprained wrist, it may take several weeks or months for the wrist to heal completely.
By following these steps and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can help ensure a successful recovery from a sprained wrist.
When should you see a doctor?
If you think you have sprained your wrist, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
A doctor will be able to properly diagnose the injury and recommend the best course of treatment.
X-rays
X-rays may be taken to rule out a fracture. But an X-ray will not show ligament injuries. But they are important to ensure no bone damage has been done.
MRI
MRIs may be used to see ligament damage. But they are not needed for all wrist sprains.
Nerve conduction studies
Nerve conduction studies may be done if there is concern about possible nerve damage.
Surgery options
If the ligaments are completely torn, you may need surgery to repair them.
Tendon release
If the tendon is too tight and is not letting the wrist heal, a surgeon may need to cut the tendon to give it more room to recover.
Arthroscopy
This is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to remove debris, relieve pressure, or repair damaged ligaments or tendons.
Arthrodesis
This is a surgery that fuses the bones in the wrist. It is only done if other treatments have not worked and there is still a pain in the wrist.
Osteotomy
This surgery involves cutting and resetting the bone to help relieve pressure on the wrist.
How can you prevent a sprained wrist?
Wrist sprains are common injuries that can happen to anyone at any time. However, there are a few things you can do to help reduce your risk.
- Wear proper safety gear when participating in activities or sports.
- Use caution when performing activities that require repetitive motions of the wrists, such as tennis or golf.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take extra care to avoid falls.
- Strengthen the muscles around your wrists through regular exercise.
You can help reduce your risk of getting a wrist sprain by taking these steps. However, it is essential to remember that accidents can still happen even with precautions. Therefore, if you think you have sprained your wrist, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Common questins and anwers
Will a wrist sprain heal on its own? Most wrist sprains will heal on their own with time and proper care. However, more severe injuries may require surgery or other medical interventions.
How long does it take for a wrist sprain to heal? The healing process can vary depending on the severity of the injury. However, most sprains will take several weeks to heal completely.
What should you not do with a wrist sprain? First, it is important to avoid activities that strain the wrist, such as lifting heavy objects or participating in contact sports. Additionally, it is vital to seek medical attention if you think you have sprained your wrist.
How can you try and heal a sprained wrist fast? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer for healing a wrist sprain quickly. However, some steps that may help include immobilization, physical therapy, and avoiding activities that put a strain on the wrist.
Do you need to wrap a sprained wrist? How you treat a sprained wrist will depend on the severity of the injury. It is often recommended to immobilize the wrist with a splint or wrap for mild injuries.
Final thoughts on How to treat a sprained wrist
By following these steps and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can help ensure a successful recovery from a sprained wrist.
With proper treatment, most people can regain full function of their wrist within a few months.
However, it is important to see a doctor if you experience severe pain or numbness, as these may be an indicator of a more severe injury.
