Treating a Sore Wrist Prevent Future Problems
Posted on December 9, 2009
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All too often, we take our wrists for granted along with the abilities that these intricate parts of our anatomy provide for us in our daily lives, from carrying our bags to working at the computer. As many sports coaches will tell you, it’s all in the wrist!
If your wrist has become sore, the obvious importance of this body part should indicate that it needs immediate treatment. If ignored, the condition may get worst. Future quality of life may be affected when dealing with pain from a tender wrist. The simplest of tasks may become impossible since the wrist pain will be ever-present. Since it’s not safe to take too many over-the-counter drugs, seeking medical help to manage or repair the source of pain is imperative.
Keep in mind that the wrist pain may degenerate into a worse condition over time. The wrist can be an indicator of worse medical conditions. This may include carpal tunnel, gout, arthritis, cysts or fractures or sprains. You should definitely get treatment as quickly as possible for the best chance of recovery.
RICE TREATMENT
RICE Treatment Protocol
Through rest and modified activities, your pain may be alleviated. Considered the “critical time”, you may need to wrap your wrist in a sling or splint. Modify activities so you don’t cause additional stress to the injury.
Ice and heat treatments may also help alleviate pain. Generally, you will use ice for an acute injury, and heat for a chronic condition. When using ice packs, limit use to 20 minutes per application.
* C stands for compression and cortisone injections. During early treatment, compression is used to keep the muscles and tendons as stable as possible. Of course, you have to make sure that your wrist does not become cold and blue from a too-tight compression bandage. Cortisone injections are administered by your doctor, which should treat the inflammation, if any, in a sore wrist.
* E stands for elevate. You have elevate your injured wrist higher than your heart, when and where possible. This can usually be done by placing pillows underneath your arms while sleeping.
The RICE method is only supposed to be used in conjunction with medical treatment, as either first aid or after-care for injuries. When your wrist does not seem to be responding positively to the above protocols, then contact your doctor for further evaluation.
A wrist injury may not seem like a big deal, but ignoring it can quickly turn it into one. Keep in mind that with all the activities your wrist is responsible for, your livelihood, and even your life, may be affected with a wrist injury.
Tom Nicholson spends his time caring for carpal tunnel sufferers. Please follow this link to find out more regarding having asore wrist.
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