A wrist sprain involves injury to a ligament. Ligaments connect one bone to another, and during a fall those ligaments can be torn or stretched. This results in a sprain injury that is identified as a grade 1, 2, or 3 sprain. Grade 1 strains are mild with no tearing, grade 2 are moderate and involve partial tearing of the ligament, and grade 3 sprains are severe and involve complete severing of the ligament.
RICE
As with most injuries, the RICE protocol -- rest, ice, compression, elevation -- is recommended. Rest by avoiding the use of the injured hand and wrist. Apply ice every hour or two for up to 20 minutes each time to help reduce inflammation and pain. Keep the affected wrist wrapped in a compression bandage to provide support. Finally, for the first 48 hours following the injury, keep the sprained wrist elevated above the level of your heart to reduce swelling and prevent fluid retention.
Medication
To help with pain relief and the prevention of inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might be prescribed. Examples of commonly used NSAIDs are ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, and naproxen. Do not take any of these NSAIDs without obtaining the approval and recommendation of your physician.
Brace or Cast
Depending on the severity of your sprain, your doctor might apply a brace or cast to your sprained wrist. For grade 3 sprains in which surgery is required, your injured wrist will be wrapped post-surgery in a brace or cast to facilitate healing. For lesser sprains, your doctor might recommend a brace or cast to aid in healing. In both cases, leave it on for the prescribed period. After the wrist is healed, an occasional brace might be worn to provide extra support, such as during sports for the first few months after recovery. Severe sprains that do not require surgery might have casts applied, which remain on for up to three weeks.
Exercises
Physical therapy might be prescribed. Common exercises performed during rehabilitation aim to regain flexibility, range of motion and strength. Injuries of a more severe nature require a more intense rehab period. Rehabilitation exercises for a sprained wrist should stretch and work the muscles of the wrist and forearm, as well as the upper arm. Exercises that work the biceps, the triceps and forearm muscles are all encouraged. General exercise that helps the arm and wrist are swimming and cycling.
