The Best Ways to Treat a Wrist Fracture
Wrist fractures are a common injury that can occur anytime. They can be caused by a variety of things, such as falls, sports injuries or car accidents. Dealing with a fracture is often a painful experience that can interfere with daily activities and make it difficult to perform simple tasks. However, with the right treatment, most people can make a full recovery. Here are some of the best ways to treat a wrist fracture.
1. Immobilize the Wrist
The first step is to immobilize the wrist. This can be done with a cast or a splint, which will keep the bones in the wrist from moving and allow them to heal properly. You should keep the cast or splint on for as long as your doctor recommends, which may be several weeks.
2. Use Ice
Icing the wrist can help reduce swelling and pain. You can wrap a bag of ice or a cold pack in a towel and apply it to the wrist for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Be sure to take breaks between icing sessions to avoid damaging the skin.
3. Elevation is Your Friend
Elevating the wrist above the heart can also help reduce swelling. You can prop your wrist up with pillows or sit in a chair with your arm resting on a table or armrest.
4. Take Pain Medication
Over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and swelling. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
5. Do Physical Therapy
After the cast or splint is removed, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and range of motion in your wrist. This can include exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your wrist and hand.
6. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for treating a wrist fracture. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and ask any questions you may have about your treatment plan.
Treating a wrist fracture requires a combination of rest, medication and physical therapy. With the right treatment, most people can recover fully and regain full use of their wrist. If you suspect you have a fracture of any kind, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible.