Wrist Injury
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
A wrist injury is damage to the tissues of your wrist joint. Examples are a fracture, sprain (stretched or torn ligament), or strain (stretched or torn tendon).
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- The skin on or near your wrist or hand feels cold or turns blue or white.
- The skin on or near your wrist or hand is tight, raised, and swollen.
- You have new trouble moving and using your hands, fingers, or wrist.
- Your wrist, hands, or fingers become swollen, red, numb, or tingle.
- You have any open wounds that are red, swollen, warm, or have pus coming from them.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- The bruising, swelling, or pain in your wrist gets worse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage your symptoms:
- Rest your wrist for 48 hours, or as directed. Avoid activities that cause pain. Ask which activities you should avoid and for how long. Ask when you may return to your regular physical activities or sports. If you start to use your wrist too soon, you may injure it wrist again.
- Put ice on your wrist to decrease pain and swelling. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Wrap a towel around the bag before you put it on your wrist. Apply ice for 15 minutes every hour, or as directed.
- Apply compression by wrapping your wrist with an elastic bandage. This will help decrease swelling, support your wrist, and help it heal. Wear your wrist wrap as directed. The bandage should be snug but not so tight that your fingers are numb or tingly.
- Elevate your wrist above the level of your heart when you sit or lie down. Prop your arm and hand on pillows to keep your wrist elevated comfortably.
- Go to physical therapy, if directed. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your wrist and improve the range of movement. These exercises may also help decrease your pain.
Prevent another wrist injury:
- Do strengthening exercises. Your healthcare provider or physical therapist may suggest that you do exercises to strengthen your hand and arm muscles. He or she will tell you when to start doing these exercises and how long to continue.
- Protect your wrists. Wrist guard splints or protective tape can help support your wrist during exercise and sports. These devices may also keep your wrist from bending too far back. Ask for more information about the type of wrist support that you should use.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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