A wrist sprain is painful and can worsen without proper care. Explore options for treatment and when to seek medical attention.
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Table of Contents
How To Tell if You Have a Sprained Wrist
A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the wrist are stretched beyond their normal limits or torn. Symptoms of a sprained wrist include pain, swelling, and bruising. You might also experience a decreased range of motion in your wrist and difficulty performing tasks that require wrist movement. If the pain and swelling are severe, or if you can’t move your wrist, it’s crucial to see a medical provider in case it’s a fracture.
Severity of Sprained Wrists
There are three grades of a strained wrist.
- Grade 1: The ligament is stretched but not torn, with mild pain, swelling, and minimal bleeding.
- Grade 2: A partial tear, significant pain, swelling, and some function loss.
- Grade 3: A full tear, severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to use your wrist.
An MRI can help determine the severity of the sprain.
How To Treat a Sprained Wrist
The first line of treatment for how to treat a sprained wrist is the RICE method:
1. Rest: Rest your wrist as much as possible during the first 48 hours.
2. Ice: Apply ice packs to the wrist for 15-20 minutes every hour to reduce swelling. Use a towel between the ice and your skin to protect yourself from frostbite.
3. Compression: Use a bandage or a wrist wrap to help reduce swelling and stabilize the wrist.
4. Elevation: Keep your wrist elevated above heart level to help minimize swelling.
To help with the healing process, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can help manage the pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the dosage instructions or consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Once the initial pain and swelling have decreased, start doing gentle wrist exercises to restore your wrist's mobility. Be cautious with these movements so you don’t re-injure yourself.
How To Heal a Sprained Wrist Fast
There really is no secret answer to how to heal a sprained wrist fast. The body needs time to heal itself. The healing time for a wrist sprain varies depending on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains typically heal within a few weeks, while more severe sprains might take up to a couple of months to fully recover. Following your treatment plan and staying up-to-date with your healthcare provider can help ensure a smooth recovery. Your provider may prescribe physical therapy to help with the healing process.
Sprained Wrist Medical Devices
To support the healing process, consider using sprained wrist medical devices such as:
- Wrist Braces: These provide support and stabilize your wrist, preventing movements that could lead to further injury.
- Elastic Bandages: These offer compression, which helps reduce swelling and provides support to the injured ligaments.
These devices can help keep your wrist properly aligned and reduce the strain on the healing ligaments.
Should I Go to the ER or Urgent Care?
Visiting an urgent care like American Family Care (AFC) is the perfect option for a sprained wrist. Urgent care can provide X-rays to rule out fractures, offer braces or splints, and give you the necessary guidance for home care. You should go to the emergency room if you’re experiencing extreme pain or have a significant deformity in your wrist.
Activities to Avoid With a Sprained Wrist
While your wrist is healing, avoid activities that could put additional stress on your wrist, such as lifting heavy objects, performing high-impact exercises, or twisting your wrist excessively. These activities can delay healing or even worsen your injury.
Visit AFC for Help
Dealing with a sprained wrist can be a nuisance, but you can recover quickly with proper care. Following the guidance of your medical provider is crucial. Choose an accessible and affordable provider like AFC in Denver CO to help you recover. There is no need to call ahead or make an appointment; just walk into your local AFC, and they can typically help you in under an hour.
Find an AFC location near you.
