How Wrist Doctors Treat Sprained Wrists

Summer vacation has arrived for most families in Oakland County. And with it, is more active and outdoors more frequently – which can mean more sprains and strains. Injury in a ball game or other sport, and falling onto your wrist or hand while hiking, biking or climbing, are all common summer causes of sprained wrists.

Gymnastics and even spills from swings or monkey bars can also result in wrist sprains.

What is a Sprained Wrist?

Ligaments are the strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another in your body. A sprain is any type is an injury that causes a stretch or tear to a ligament.

Your wrist is especially susceptible to sprains because it is comprised of eight bones that attach to your hand and to your forearm. The wrist joint itself is covered by a joint capsule and the bones are connected to each other by ligaments.

Pain, swelling and tenderness in the wrist typically accompany a sprained wrist.

How are Sprained Wrists Diagnosed?

An orthopedic doctor, such as Dr. Rehman, who specializes in the hands and wrists is the best person to diagnose a sprained wrist. She will review your symptoms and do a physical exam of the wrist. Typically, an X-ray may also be needed to insure no bones have been broken.

How do Wrist Doctors Treat Sprained Wrists?

Typically a sprained wrist does not require surgery. However, in some cases the wrist may require a splint or cast to immobilize the injured area – and to prevent further injury.

Generally, wrist doctors treatments for sprained wrists Include:

  • Ice packs on the wrist for 20 to 30 minutes every; 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days; or until the pain is gone
  • Elevating the wrist on the back of a chair or couch while sitting,
  • Elevating the wrist on a pillow when lying down
  • Oral anti-inflammatory or other pain medication may be prescribed, if necessary
  • A splint or a cast to support and stabilize the wrist and prevent further injury
  • Physical therapy or specific exercises to strengthen and stretch the wrist
  • Avoiding sports or activities that use the wrist until fully healed

With the short summers in Michigan, people are often anxious to get back to their sports, bike riding and other warm weather activities. However it is important to stabilize and immobilize the wrist and avoid further trauma or injury to the area until it is healed.

How Long is Recovery from a Sprained Wrist?

In general, the longer you have symptoms before you begin treatment and rehabilitation, the longer the time period of recovery from your sprained wrist.

Everybody heals differently, and children and young people heal faster than older individuals. Returning to your sport or activity will be determined by your rate of healing, rather than a set number of days or weeks.

Continuing to perform the activity while the wrist is injured could cause permanent damage. Resting the injured area, and following your wrist doctors instructions (icing, exercises, etc.) will positively influence your rate of healing.

When the injured wrist has full range of motion and no pain, you may return to your activities. Prior to this, your wrist doctor may allow you to perform some of your activity with your wrist in a brace. Your injured wrist, hand and forearm need to have the same strength as the uninjured side.

Top Waterford Area Hand & Wrist Doctor

If you think you or your child may have a sprained wrist, or are having pain in your wrist, hand, fingers or arm, contact board certified wrist & hand doctor Dr. Rehman. Getting a complete and thorough evaluation and a comprehensive treatment program will get you on the road to recovery.

The sooner you begin the healing process, the sooner you can get back to enjoying your summer activities!

Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.

Clarkston Area Wrist Doctor: 248.335.2638