|
Sprained Wrist
 |
Scenario:
Most wrist sprains occur during a fall. As you head towards the ground, it's normal to put
your hands out to catch yourself. If your body has enough rotational inertia to carry you
on into a tumble, the wrist will be bent backwards, resulting in a sprain.
This is little Steven
Argyle in 1982. Now he's grown up handsome, buff, talented, and rich (and
married).
|
Description:
A sprain is a stretching injury to ligaments (the bands of tough tissue that control which
direction joints can bend). A minor wrist sprain usually doesn't swell at all. If you see
a bulge of swelling, chances are you've done something really BAD. With a wrist sprain
that you could treat at home, there should only be pain at the extremes of motion -- bent
all the way back or all the way down. If the wrist hurts with tiny wiggles, you should go
have an x-ray.
Concerns:
What seems to be a wrist sprain may really be a fracture. Be VERY careful. Even a minor
wrist sprain can take a long time to heal. If there are signs of serious injury, you
should have the doctor help you.
See the doctor if:
there's any swelling or deformity
there's pain when the wrist is resting (after the first hour)
you can't move the joint fully
there's pain with motion of the fingers
there's pain with small motions of the wrist
there's numbness or weakness below the injured area.
 |
Immediate care:
The treatment of a sprain is "RICE:" Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate.Immediately
elevate the injured part. If possible, apply ice directly to the injury. |
| Once the area is thoroughly cooled, apply an elastic wrap to compress the
injury. Cross the wrist at an angle a couple of times, wrapping up around the web between
the thumb and index finger. Coban wrap is a light, efficient
wrap that you can carry in your biking backpack. It compresses and stabilizes sprains, and
can hold a dressing over cuts and scrapes while you ride your bike back to civilization. |
|
 |
Ongoing care:
For the first 48 hours, repeat ice and elevation 1/4 of the time (for example, 30 minutes
of ice every two hours).Keep support on the wrist |
| As the pain subsides, return to activities. The rule is: "If it
hurts, don't do it." You can usually stop using the elastic wrap after 2 to 3 days.
If the wrist remains weak or painful in routine use, go to the doctor. |
|
Wrist rehab:
After the first few days, start rehab exercises.
Isometric strengthening: Grip a rubber ball with your fingers, without moving the wrist.
Squeeze for about 30 seconds, then release. Repeat this 20 times, twice a day.
Range of motion: Warm the wrist for 10 minutes (heating pad or sink of warm water). Gently
bend the wrist back until it begins to feel uncomfortable, then hold the stretch for 30
seconds. Rest for a minute, then do it again. Repeat 5 times. Now bend downward and hold
for 30 seconds, rest a minute, and repeat 5 times. If the wrist has increased discomfort
after the exercises, ice the wrist for 20 minutes after the exercises. Do the exercises
twice a day.
 |
The wrist may need some support for a few weeks, particularly if you'll be
lifting. A medical supply store can supply you with a strong splint. Removable
wrist splint. Pull-on elastic sleeves aren't truly splints, and don't give much support.
If you have a significant sprain, get a splint with metal strips. |
Watch for:
If the injured area doesn't improve promptly, see the doctor.
[First Aid Index Page]
|
