A sprained wrist is an injury that affects the ligaments, muscles, tendons and soft tissues found around a joint. This injury usually involves the ligaments that are made out of connective tissues that functions in connecting two or more bones.
It is important to note that a sprained wrist is a common injury in the hand. This injury can occur once the wrist is forcefully bent especially when playing sports or when the individual falls and attempts to break it with an outstretched hand.
What are the possible causes of a sprained wrist?
- Direct trauma on the joint of the wrist.
- Falls from a great height
- Severe twisting of the wrist joint
- Certain sports such as gymnastics, basketball and diving can put an individual at right for a sprained wrist.
These are some contributing factors for a sprained wrist but it can happen to anyone such as falling on the ground or losing balance of the body.
Symptoms of a sprained wrist
- The affected person has difficulty in moving the hands or holding an object.
- There is pain and swelling in the affected area.
- There is tenderness when the affected area is touched. Even with the slightest touch, the pain becomes worse if there are tears in the ligaments.
- Bruising caused by damage to the small blood vessels found in the hand.
- A symptom of sprain is a high wrist pain and can be caused by condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment and home remedies for a sprained wrist
- Rest the wrist for a few days once a sprain is suspected.
- Apply a cold compress at 2-3 times in a day in order to minimize the swelling and pain for two to three days.
- Apply an ice bandage in order to help minimize movement of the affected area. Wrap from the hand starting at the elbow, but avoid making it too tight since it might cut off adequate blood circulation in the area.
- When the swelling is reduced, apply moist heat.
- Compress the joint of the wrist using an elastocrepe bandage. This helps in stabilizing the area and adding support for the wrist joint. It also helps prevent excessive bending of the affected area.
- Elevate the affected area using a sling above the level of the heart since it helps in minimizing the swelling or keeping the affected area on the back of a chair several times every day.
- A sprain on the wrist requires the application of a cast and splint in order to minimize movement.
- The individual should start with mild exercises since these can help in preventing stiffness of the wrist joint.
- Turmeric is considered beneficial for those who have a sprained wrist. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the pain and swelling.
- Once the pain subsides, the individual should start using the wrist gradually.
If the sprained wrist becomes worse, takes a long time to heal. There is a tear in the ligament but with minor wrist pain, it takes about weeks to be totally healed.