Ligaments are soft tissues that connect one bone to another. Ligaments can become strained through injuries, such as sports injuries. A great number of ligaments support the wrist and are vulnerable to potential sprains. The most common way that a wrist strain occurs is by falling forward or backwards on outstretched arms. A wrist strain is graded by severity and can range from a stable ligamentous injury to a complete tear or rupture of the ligaments, according to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Wrist sprains can be painful, but also can cause stiffness, swelling and even instability.
Ice
Any wrist sprain is likely to include significant swelling and inflammation. Ice helps reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels. Ice should never be applied directly to the skin because it can cause freezing burns. Instead, wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the injured wrist for 20 minutes every few hours. Ice should be used to help reduce pain and inflammation in the first 24 to 72 hours. After that, heat may be used to help reduce soreness and restore blood flow.
Compression
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, suggests that an injured wrist should be wrapped with a compression bandage to reduce swelling. It is not a good idea to wrap the wrist too tightly, causing blood flow to be constricted, but a compression bandage is also useful in helping to immobilize the area. Keeping the injured wrist elevated will allow gravity to participate in the removal of inflammation.
Rest
Initially, it is appropriate to rest the injured ligaments for a short time, according to The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A doctor may recommend a cast, a splint, or a compression bandage to help immobilize the injury. Avoid any activities that may aggravate the torn ligaments and lead to increased pain or swelling. It is not advisable to rest the injured wrist for more than a day or two. Excessive rest will lead to stiffness and muscle atrophy, which will exacerbate the problem and make long-term correction more difficult.
Medication
According to the MayoClinic.com, mild strains will likely respond well to over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. These particular medications are useful because they treat both inflammation and pain associated with the wrist strain.
Rehabilitation
After the initial stage of healing following a wrist strain, rehabilitation will likely be necessary to help restore proper function and mobility. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the goal of physical therapy rehabilitation will be to improve range of motion and restore flexibility and strength.
Surgery
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, severe wrist strains where the ligament has been torn or ruptured may require surgery.
