Sprained Thumb | Symptoms, treatment, rehabilitation & taping - SportsMD That usually means the bones are not broken, and you have a sprain. To achieve the best results, your wrist should be wrapped all the way up to where your fingers meet the palm of your hand. Mild wrist sprains will begin to feel better 24 to 48 hours after you begin therapy with ice or heat. TIP THREE: Get up and heat your elbow area with hot water under the faucet - If you wake up in a lot of pain at night. It is commonly used in first aid as part of a therapy known as RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), and helps to reduce pain and swelling by restricting blood flow. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Its not always easy to make the extra effort to get in another half hour of cardio a day. If an injury causes extreme pain, a visible deformity, a locked joint, severe bruising or swelling, or the inability to stand or walk, see a healthcare provider. It incorporates some of the same elements of a wrist wrap, along with a rigid element that helps keep the wrist stabilized. Ice should be applied to an injury for 10 minutes at a time. Kinesio tape might take a bit more practice to get right, but with these simple instructions, you should have it down in no time. Related Questions. Wrap the wrist with a bandage to keep it from moving. Your email address will not be published. Ice your wrist to relieve discomfort and swelling. You can do the following to expedite the healing process: If you feel pain in your wrist, it is likely that you have strained or torn the ligaments that link the bones in your wrist. Ice can also make your pain worse if you mistakenly use it to treat a tight muscle because it will make the muscle tighten and contract more, rather than relaxing it and easing the tightness thats causing the pain. Should I wear ankle brace while sleeping? - Profound-Information It is important to use a compression bandage correctly. Transitions Rehabilitation - Wellness Across The Lifespan 2023 In general, you should avoid sleeping with compression bandages whenever you injure your ankle. This should help with stability, preventing the bandage from becoming too loose or coming undone. This simple, noninvasive test can help examine tendons, ligaments and cysts. Because of the slowed circulation, fluid may pool in your extremities until you get up and moving again. I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from UPMC. Circle the wrist several times, ending about 5 to 6 inches above the wrist. Most sprains are temporary injuries, and you should be able to return to all your usual activities as soon as your ligaments have healed. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. They aren't used as much for compression these days because they tend to slip and lose their shape quickly. If possible, avoid using your wrist for at least 48 hours. How long does a sprained wrist take to heal? If your wrist does not seem to be healing after a few days of using a wrap, you may need to contact a doctor for treatment. You may be given a removable splint to wear to support the wrist. If your injury is over 48 hours old Deep Heat may be more suitable to help. Answer (1 of 6): Hey Leea. The most common types of massage used for injury include remedial massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage. Free shipping for many products! But don't avoid all physical activity. Thanks wikiHow. Sprained wrists need ice placed on the injury as soon as possible. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A compression bandage is a long strip of stretchable cloth that you wrap around a sprain or strain to apply gentle pressure. A sprained wrist or ankle is a common injury, so having a compression bandage in your first aid kit is important. Privacy Policy. She received her M.D. If you use ice, be careful not to use it too long, as this could cause tissue damage. Some sources say it's OK to stay wrapped at night . I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time. Text the word, contact your nearest UPMC Urgent Care location. Slowly and deliberately raise your hand as high as you possibly can, then lower it as far as you possibly can in a controlled manner. Wrist Hyperextension Injury: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options (2023) Broken vs. Sprained Wrist - How to Tell the Difference, How to Treat & Recover from a Sprained Wrist, Stretches & Exercises for After a Wrist Sprain, The Unsweet Truth About Empty Calorie Beverages, Staying Connected with Technology for Seniors, Sowing Seeds of Happiness: Gardening for Seniors, Fit for the Brain: How Physical Exercise Improves Memory. Miller: To conclude, it appears that if you have a fall and your wrist is very hurting or is immobile, or if the pain and swelling persist for more than three days, you should probably get it looked out, and you should have an X-ray. Try to ice the area as soon as possible after the injury and continue to ice it for 15 to 20 minutes, four to eight times a day, for the first 48 hours or until swelling improves. You will need the same supplies as for a wrist sprain: an elastic bandage, scissors, soap and water, and a fastener. How long does it take for a sprained wrist to heal? Continuing to use your wrist after it is sprained may prolong your injury and lead to more pain and discomfort. When you sprain your wrist, you likely will feel pain in your wrist area. They are designed for larger body parts, such as the chest or thigh, and provide stable, even compression. Rest. Dont put off therapy any longer. How to wrap a sprained wrist Wrap the bandage around your wrist once, starting at the pinky side of your hand and with your hand facing down. How to Wrap Your Wrist | Summit Orthopedics However, there's a limit to how long you should compress an injury. If youre going to wrap your ankle, it is best to put the bandage on first thing in the morning, and then take it off at bedtime. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Rod Brouhard is an emergency medical technician paramedic (EMT-P), journalist, educator, and advocate for emergency medical service providers and patients.