The most common method of treating a sprained wrist is called “RICE” (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate).
- Rest - After an injury, the following 24-48 hours are considered critical to treatment. Of course, during this time period, all activities must be curtailed. Avoid any activities that may cause pain, but do try to use the injured wrist as much as tolerable. The use of a wrist splint immediately following the injury should help lessen the symptoms.
- Ice - Ice should be applied to the injured area, but do not ice your wrist for more than 20 minutes at a time. The wrist will not heal any faster and you may, in fact, cause tissue damage.
- Compression - During early treatment, compression should be used when elevating the wrist. Using an elastic bandage, wrap the wrist from the base of the fingers all the way up to the top of the forearm. Be sure that the wrap is snug, but not too tight. You don’t want to cut off circulation to the hand and wrist.
- Elevate - You should elevate and maintain your wrist higher than the level of your heart as often as possible. You may elevate your wrist at night by placing pillows under your arm before bedtime.
- NSAIDS
- Splint/brace
- Rehabilitation exercises and stretching
- Surgery: Severe wrist injuries- ligament tears
- Reconnect the ligament to the bone or using a tendon graft to repair the injured ligament.
- If not treated adequately, a torn ligament may lead to joint instability and arthritis. It is essential that you consult your doctor before starting any treatment, or if the symptoms do not show signs of improvement over time.
Goal
Reduce pain and inflammation of the wrist joint.
Who qualifies for surgery?
- Individuals with ligament tears.
Recovery
- A splint should be worn for at least 1 week
- Rehabilitation exercises: to strengthen your wrist and restore range of motion.
- 8 to 12 weeks for the ligament to heal
- Full recovery could take 6 to 12 months
Complications
- Symptoms are not relieved with non-surgical methods
- A fracture was missed, therefore prolonging the recovery time
- Circulation can be compromised if compression wrap is too tight or left on too long.
- Tissue damage if ice is left on the skin for too long.
- Surgical complications include:
- Infection
- Tenderness at incision site
Outcomes
Outcomes and recovery length will depend on the severity of the sprain. For severe cases where a ligament was torn, surgery may be required for proper healing.
