Sprained Wrist Treatments

One of the most common results of significant trauma to the wrist is a sprain. When a sprain is not serious, nothing more than rest may be required to remedy the problem. During this rest period, the affected person should avoid using the wrist to prevent further damage and pain.

In addition to rest, applying ice and taking medications can help. Ice will reduce existing swelling of the tissue. Certain over-the-counter medicines can also help reduce and prevent swelling. Medications can be used to control pain as well.

Splints and casts are sometimes utilized to treat more serious sprains, those that involve extreme stretching or tearing of the ligaments. Splints are usually made of Velcro. The Velcro device is more desirable because it is easily removed and replaced. Once the plaster caster is set in place it is not removed until the injury has healed. Unfortunately, you don’t get your choice. The extent of damage will determine which device you receive or whether you get one at all.

Some times splints are used as a precautionary measure because even when a fracture does not appear on an X-ray, it may be present. When an unseen fracture is a concern, a splint will more than likely be used to prevent possible complications. Follow-up X-rays may be able to rule out or confirm a fracture.

With a break, a cast is good news. Some fractures require surgery. When surgery is part of the treatment plan, an orthopedic surgeon may utilize a variety of tools, including plates and screws, pins, steel wires and other stabilizing devices. Many of these are inserted by drilling into the compromised bone.

If an injury is more serious than a simple first degree sprain, you will probably be able to make this determination after using initial treatments of ice and rest. Unbearable pain, deformity around the wrist, widespread bruising and uncontrollable swelling are signs that you should seek medical help.