Sprained Wrist
Date issued: December 2022
Review date: December 2024
Ref: A-563/NB/ED/Sprained Wrist
PDF: Sprained Wrist final December 2022.pdf [pdf] 128KB
What is a sprain?
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments near a joint. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another. They help hold joints together. A minor sprain means the ligaments may have been overstretched. In more serious sprains the ligament may be partially or completely torn.
What is the treatment?
Protect Avoid overstretching the joint.
Rest For the first 24 hours, when the pain typically gets slightly worse, try to reduce movement but once 24 hours has passed then move it as much as your pain allows.
Ice Either crushed ice or a bag of frozen peas. Don’t apply ice directly to skin, place it over a tea towel
Compression Support bandages sometimes work if applied very soon (i.e. minutes) after the injury. They are rarely used outside this timeframe as they do not work.
Elevation Raise the joint and support it above the level of the heart.
Exercises
After 2 days you should begin doing some gentle exercises. They may be uncomfortable at the beginning but will prevent stiffness and weakness. It is also important to keep other joints, such as your shoulder and elbow moving to prevent them getting stiff or weak.
Lift your arm out sideways and then high above your head.
Lift your arm forwards and then high above your head.
Bend your elbow and straighten it.
Curl up all fingers then straighten then out.
When you are able, gently bend the wrist forwards and backwards.
You should aim to do these exercises at least three times a day.
Should I take painkillers?
Paracetamol/is useful to ease pain. It is best to take it regularly for a few days or so, rather than every now and then. An adult dose is two 500 mg tablets, four times a day. A doctor may prescribe additional painkillers such as codeine if the pain is more severe. If you are prescribed a combination of paracetamol and codeine (e.g., cocodamol or codydramol) then it is important not to take additional paracetamol as you will accidentally overdose
Anti-inflammatory medication can be used with paracetamol or as an alternative. There are many types and brands. They relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling (often the cause of the pain). You can buy ibuprofen at pharmacies or supermarkets without a prescription. The dose varies depending on your age and other medical problems. Side-effects sometimes occur with anti-inflammatory painkillers. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice regarding them
If pain is not controlled by these simple painkillers, do not exceed the recommended dose but see your general practitioner to discuss the possibility of stronger painkillers.
What do I do if my symptoms are not improving?
Sprains of the ankle/foot normally take at least a few days to start improving. They may take weeks to heal properly.
Self-Referral to Physiotherapy
You have the option of a delayed referral to physiotherapy should your injury not settle with the advice given during your time in ED. If you feel you require physiotherapy then please use the link below to self-refer. This is also available via your General Practitioner.
