For most people, experiencing a sprained wrist will happen out of the blue. Suddenly you’re feeling severe pain and discomfort during the most menial daily activities, waiting around for your wrist to heal naturally. But is there treatment available? Are there steps you can take to alleviate your symptoms? Read on to learn about treatment options for sprained wrists.
For personalised advice, contact our team at A Pinch of Prevention today.
What is a Sprained Wrist?
A sprained wrist occurs when the ligaments, which are tough bands of tissue connecting the bones in the wrist joint, are stretched or torn due to sudden force or excessive bending. This injury commonly results from falls onto an outstretched hand, sports accidents, or repetitive stress on the wrist joint.
The severity of a sprained wrist can vary, ranging from mild discomfort and swelling to severe pain and loss of wrist function. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the wrist. In more severe cases, there may be a noticeable deformity or instability in the wrist joint.
Sprained Wrist Causes
A sprained wrist can stem from various causes. There is a broad range of activities and circumstances that can lead to this injury, which is likely why it is so common for Australians to experience a sprained wrist. More often than not, the damage is due to acute injuries or accidents, sometimes associated with sports or heightened physical activity. Common causes include:
- Falls: Landing on an outstretched hand during a fall, especially from a height or while walking on uneven surfaces, can strain the wrist ligaments.
- Sports injuries: Contact sports, such as football or rugby, or activities involving sudden changes in direction, like basketball or skiing, increase the risk of wrist sprains.
- Repetitive stress: Overuse of the wrist through repetitive motions, common in activities such as typing, gardening, or playing musical instruments, can gradually strain the ligaments.
- Accidents: Sudden impacts or collisions, whether from car accidents or workplace mishaps, can result in wrist sprains due to the force exerted on the joint.
Understanding these diverse causes underscores the importance of preventive measures and caution in various activities to minimise the risk of wrist sprains.
Symptoms Associated With Sprained Wrists
A sprained wrist manifests through a range of symptoms, reflecting the extent of ligament damage and the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: Persistent or acute pain in the wrist area, especially with movement or pressure.
- Swelling: Visible swelling and puffiness around the wrist joint.
- Bruising: Discoloration of the skin due to bleeding beneath the surface, often appearing as purple or blue marks.
- Tenderness: Sensitivity to touch or pressure around the injured area.
- Stiffness: Difficulty moving the wrist joint, particularly in certain directions.
- Weakness: Reduced grip strength or difficulty performing tasks that involve wrist movement.
In more severe cases, additional symptoms may include:
- Instability: Feeling of looseness or instability in the wrist joint.
- Numbness or tingling: Sensations of pins and needles or numbness, indicating potential nerve involvement.
Recognising these symptoms aids in accurate diagnosis and timely intervention to facilitate recovery and restore wrist function.
Sprained Wrist Treatment Options
Treatment options for a sprained wrist include various approaches aimed at reducing pain, swelling, and promoting recovery. Firstly, rest is essential, avoiding activities that worsen discomfort to allow the ligaments to heal. Ice application, for 15-20 minutes every few hours, helps reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Compression with a bandage provides support and further reduces swelling.
Elevating the wrist above heart level aids in swelling reduction and improves circulation. Over-the-counter pain medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. Immobilisation using a splint or brace prevents further injury, particularly during the initial recovery phase.
Additionally, once pain and swelling decrease, physiotherapy exercises play a crucial role in restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the wrist. These treatment options are often combined and tailored to individual needs to facilitate optimal recovery from a sprained wrist.
Working With a Physio to Address Your Sprained Wrist
Physiotherapists may be able to aid in the treatment of a sprained wrist, offering tailored interventions to facilitate optimal recovery and restore functionality. Initially, they assess the severity of the injury and develop a personalised treatment plan. Physiotherapy treatments may include manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and stretching exercises to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and restore range of motion.
Additionally, they may prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the wrist muscles and improve stability. Education on proper ergonomics and techniques to prevent re-injury is also provided.
As the wrist recovers, physiotherapists progressively advance the treatment plan, adjusting exercises and therapies to suit the individual’s progress and needs. Through their expertise and guidance, physiotherapists help individuals regain confidence in using their wrists effectively and safely, promoting a full return to daily activities and preventing future complications.
Contact A Pinch of Prevention to Discuss Your Sprained Wrist
A sprained wrist can stop you from completing even the most basic tasks – from writing to washing your hair. Luckily, you don’t have to put up with the pain unnecessarily. At A Pinch of Prevention, our physios can help manage your symptoms and provide impactful advice for your treatment plan. Book an appointment with us today to address your sprained wrist.
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