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Wrist Sprain
An injury involving twisting or straining of the ligaments of a joint is called sprain. Ligament is a connective and flexible tissue which attaches bones and cartilage. The wrist is a joint which is located at the base of the hand and comprises eight bones that are attached with the bones of hand and forearm. Wrist Injury a common problem, since most of our activities depend on wrists and hands. Whenever one starts falling, one tries to put hands out to catch or break the fall which in turn suddenly causes twisting of the wrist.
Wrist sprain can be categorised into three grades in accordance with its severity.
Grade I wrist sprain refers to a mild injury that causes stretching of the ligaments but does not lead to a significant tearing.
Grade II wrist sprain is a moderate injury that causes partial tearing of the ligaments.
Grade III wrist sprain is a severe wrist injury that completely tears the ligaments causing joint instability.
How does Wrist Sprain occur?
Wrist sprain tends to occur with the fall on an outstretched hand. The accidental fall causes stretching or tearing of the ligaments of the wrist. For example, the fall to the sidewalk after slipping in an icy weather causes wrist sprain. Sports activities such as football, basketball, volleyball, cycling, skiing, snowboarding and rollerblading also contribute to wrist sprains. Poor balance, limited flexibility and looseness in joints are some other factors that lead to wrist sprain.
Symptoms of Wrist Sprain
- The fall causes feeling of pain, tenderness, and swelling around the wrist.
- The area surrounding wrist turns reddish and warmth. Sometimes bruise also develops around the wrist.
- Pain occurs while moving the joint.
- A deep achy feeling on the wrist.
Wrist Sprain first aid:
- Apply R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) treatment.
- Take an anti-inflammatory drug or pain killer as prescribed by your doctor. Some drugs such as Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin can reduce inflammation and pain.
- In case of severe sprain, your doctor may advice a plaster cast for two to three weeks.
- Do some strengthening exercises for your wrist on the direction of your doctor.
Rest- Take rest and avoid activities which may aggravate your condition.Use a wrist splint in the initial stage of injury as it may help control symptoms.
Ice-Apply ice on the sprained wrist for 20 minutes in the gap of every 3 to 4 hours.
Compression-Wrap an ace bandage around the sprained wrist. The compression through wrapping helps reduce swelling.
Elevation-Elevate your sprained wrist higher than your heart whenever it can be possible for you. You can place pollows under your arm while sleeping. When you sit, you can place your wrist on the back of a chair or couch.
Prevention for Wrist Sprain:
While participating in sports you can wear protective gear e.g. wrist guards to avoid wrist sprains. Follow the rules of the game as be aware of your surrounding which can avoid the chances of falls that cause wrist sprain.
When to see a doctor?