Treatment for Sore Wrist to Avoid Future Problems
All too often, we take our wrists for granted along with the abilities that these intricate parts of our anatomy provide for us in our daily lives, from carrying our bags to working at the computer. As many sports coaches will tell you, it’s all in the wrist!
Reasons to Immediately Seek Treatment
Keep in mind that the wrist pain may degenerate into a worse condition over time. The wrist can be an indicator of worse medical conditions. This may include carpal tunnel, gout, arthritis, cysts or fractures or sprains. You should definitely get treatment as quickly as possible for the best chance of recovery.
RICE TREATMENT
When beginning at home treatments for your sore wrist, the primary goals are to relieve pain, promote healing and avoid a recurring incidence of injury. This at home treatment will apply to most cases from a wrist injury related to repetitive stress injury or arthritis related pain.
Through rest and modified activities, your pain may be alleviated. Considered the “critical time”, you may need to wrap your wrist in a sling or splint. Modify activities so you don’t cause additional stress to the injury.
Ice and heat application may also help. Wondering which to use? Ice packs are used for acute (sudden) injuries, and heat pads for more chronic (ongoing) condition. Never leave ice pack on for more than 20 minutes each application.
Compression is wrapping the injury to provide stability. The bandaging should be applied so the area does not turn blue or become cold. The doctor may also elect to give a cortisone shot to provide steroids for the muscles to heal.
Elevating the wrist above the heart is also another good method for dealing with wrist pain. Use a sling during the day, and during the night, elevate with a pillow.
Keep in mind that the RICE treatment protocol is applicable for first aid and after-care situations. As soon as you feel that your injured wrist is not responding to the RICE treatment, you must seek medical advice at once.
Indeed, a sore wrist may not look like much to worry about today but you have to be very careful that tomorrow, it will be as good as new. After all, your life may very well depend on how well your wrist works with and for you.
Tom Nicholson has spent years helping sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. Please follow this link to find out more about having asore wrist.