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Definition
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pain in adults
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Wrist Sprain Home Care
Home care for a wrist sprain includes:
  • Apply a cold compress:
    • Wrap ice in a moist hand towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
    • Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 1-2 hours, for the first few days.
  • Apply warm compresses after 2 days for stiffness.
  • Elevate the wrist above the heart for 24 hours.
  • Rest:
    • Use an ACE wrap on the wrist.Videos
    • Use a wrist splint as directed. Videos
    • Avoid activities that cause pain.
    • Slowly increase use of the wrist as long as there is no pain.
  • Acetaminophen for pain Images
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain: Images
  • Take prescribed medications as directed.
  • With some wrist injuries you may wish to wear a sling for comfort: Videos
    • Long term immobilization in a sling can lead to frozen shoulder.
    • If you wear a shoulder sling for longer than two weeks make sure you perform shoulder range of motion exercises twice a day to avoid frozen shoulder. Images
  • Immobilization with a cast or splint Videos
  • Perform gentle stretching exercises twice a day.
Continue to Wrist Sprain Home Care: Pain In Adults
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Last Updated: Sep 4, 2008  References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
Copyright 1989-2008 DSHI Systems, Inc.   Powered by: freeMD
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