Wrist Sprain: Care Instructions

How can you care for yourself at home?

Your wrist hurts because you have stretched or torn ligaments, which connect the bones in your wrist.

Wrist sprains usually take from 2 to 10 weeks to heal, but some take longer. Usually, the more pain you have, the more severe your wrist sprain is and the longer it will take to heal. You can heal faster and regain strength in your wrist with good home treatment.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

• Prop up your arm on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down for the next 3 days. Try to keep your wrist above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your wrist for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• After 2 or 3 days, you can try applying heat to the area that hurts. Apply heat for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Put a thin cloth between the heat and your skin. You might also try switching between ice and heat.
• If you have an elastic bandage, keep it on for the next 24 to 36 hours. The bandage should be snug but not so tight that it causes numbness or tingling. To rewrap the wrist, wrap the bandage around the hand a few times, beginning at the fingers. Then wrap it around the hand between the thumb and index finger, ending by circling the wrist several times.
• If your doctor gave you a splint or brace, wear it as directed to protect your wrist until it has healed.
• Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Try not to use your injured wrist and hand.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your hand or fingers are cool or pale or change color.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.