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How Can severe Wrist Sprain Be Treated?
Hi Doc, I m 28y male. I fell on the stairs a few days ago and landed awkwardly on my wrist. I went to A&E for an x-ray within the hour which came back ok, no break or fractures. I was put in a splint but I cannot rotate my wrist clockwise/anticlockwise without a lot of pain and if I do I hear a pop. There is not much swelling. Is this a simple sprain? Should I leave the splint on for a while or try to slowly exercise the wrist? Thanks
Thu, 15 Dec 2016
x-ray done was to rule out obvious fractures if any,which hasnt happened in your case.
bones of the wrist like any other are connected by connective tissue called ligaments.in your case,the pain associated with movement restriction could be cause of a damage inflicted to the ligament due to the fall.
normally such cases will be managed by
-evaluating with x-ray(done) or an mri to rule out ligament involvement
-immobilising with a splint or cast(done in your case)
-apply ice pack your wrist to reduce pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes every three to four hours for two to three days, or until the pain is gone.
-keep your wrist elevated on a pillow above level of heart
-slowly exercise after pain subsides only on advise of doctor
-use analgesics and antiinflammatory when needed to help with pain and swelling.However, these drugs can have side effects, like an increased risk of bleeding and ulcers. They should be used only occasionally, unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.
-if pain continues even after a while,mri suggested and other measures like arthroscopy may be indicated if needed
hope you recover soon
bones of the wrist like any other are connected by connective tissue called ligaments.in your case,the pain associated with movement restriction could be cause of a damage inflicted to the ligament due to the fall.
normally such cases will be managed by
-evaluating with x-ray(done) or an mri to rule out ligament involvement
-immobilising with a splint or cast(done in your case)
-apply ice pack your wrist to reduce pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes every three to four hours for two to three days, or until the pain is gone.
-keep your wrist elevated on a pillow above level of heart
-slowly exercise after pain subsides only on advise of doctor
-use analgesics and antiinflammatory when needed to help with pain and swelling.However, these drugs can have side effects, like an increased risk of bleeding and ulcers. They should be used only occasionally, unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.
-if pain continues even after a while,mri suggested and other measures like arthroscopy may be indicated if needed
hope you recover soon
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