My Wrist is sprained.....

Question

my wrist is sprained from video games as i have said in another question. I have been told to put ice on it and then switch to hot water and so forth. what are details i should know such as how long should i lay my wrist in ice and in hot water?

Answer 1

use ice packs --20 min on and then 20 min off,,,If you are to use heat it doesn't matter how long you use the heat as long as it is not too hot and you don't sleep with it on.  Also remember elevation is good for such a problem.

Answer 2

I have no idea who told you that, but don't put hot water near it, it won't help. You need RICE, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation :)

* REST:

      The first 24-48 hours after the injury is considered a critical treatment period and activities need to be curtailed. Gradually use the involved wrist as much as tolerated, by try to avoid any activities that cause pain. Using a wrist splint in the early stages following injury will help control your symptoms.

* ICE:

      For the first 48 hours post-injury, ice the sprained wrist 20 minutes at a time every 3-4 hours. The ice pack can be a bag of frozen vegetables (peas or corn), allowing you to be able to re-use the bag. Another popular treatment method is to fill paper cups with water then freeze the cup. Use the frozen cube like an ice cream cone, peeling away paper as the ice melts. Do NOT ice a wrist sprain for more than 20 minutes at a time!! You will not be helping heal the sprained wrist any faster, and you can cause damage to the tissues!

* COMPRESSION:

      Use compression when elevating the sprained wrist in early treatment. Using an Ace bandage, wrap the wrist from the base of the fingers all the way up to the top of the forearm, overlapping the elastic wrap by one-half of the width of the wrap. The wrap should be snug, but not cutting off circulation to the hand and wrist. So, if your fingers become cold, blue, or tingle, re-wrap!

* ELEVATION:

      Keep your sprained wrist higher than your heart as often as possible. Elevate at night by placing pillows under your arm.

More severe wrist sprain injuries, including complete tears of the ligaments and fractures of the bone may need different treatment and rehab than a simple sprained wrist. A broken wrist can lead to arthritis if not adequately treated, and joint instability can require surgery as well. It is important that you see your doctor before beginning treatment or if your symptoms do not steadily improve over time.

PREVENTION OF WRIST SPRAINS

Some activities are such that participants are at significant risk for sustaining a sprained wrist. Wearing protective splints in sports such as rollerblading, street hockey, and snowboarding can help prevent many sprained wrists. While skiing, use a pole that has a low-profile grip, and do not secure the poles in your wrists with tight straps.

Icing an injured body part is an important part of treatment. Icing injuries can be effective for sprains, strains, overuse injuries and bruises. Learn how to properly ice your injury.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 15 minutes

Here's How:

   1. Get the ice on quickly.

      Icing is most effective in the immediate period following an injury. The effect of icing diminishes significantly after about 48 hours.

   2. Perform an "ice massage."

      Apply ice directly to the injury. Move the ice frequently, not allowing it to sit in one spot.

   3. Don't forget to elevate.

      Keep the injured body part elevated above the heart while icing -- this will further help reduce swelling.

   4. Watch the clock.

      Ice for 15-20 minutes, but never longer. You can cause further damage to the tissues, including frostbite, by icing for too long.

   5. Allow time between treatments.

      Allow area to warm for at least 45 minutes or an hour before beginning the icing routine again.

   6. Repeat as desired.

      Ice as frequently as you wish, so long as the area is warm to touch and has normal sensation before repeating.

Tips:

   1. Ice Option 1 -- Traditional:

      Use a Ziploc bag with ice cubes or crushed ice. Add a little water to the ice bag so it will conform to your body.

   2. Ice Option 2 -- Best:

      Keep paper cups filled with water in your freezer. Peel the top of the cup away and massage the ice-cup over the injury in a circular pattern allowing the ice to melt away.

   3. Ice Option 3 -- Creative:

      Use a bag of frozen peas or corn from the frozen goods section. This option provides a reusable treatment method that is also edible.

   4. Prevent Frostbite:

      Do not allow ice to sit against the skin without a layer of protection. Either continually move the ice or use a thin towel between the ice and skin.

Hope this helps, and try to stop playing on your computer every twenty minutes or so, to give your wrist a break so it can relax again so there is less of a chance of re-spraining it or getting carpal tunnel syndrome.