How Wrist Doctors Treat Sprained Wrists
December consistently marks a peak period for wrist sprain injuries at Dr. Uzma Rehman’s Oakland County hand surgery practice. The combination of new holiday gifts like skateboards and hoverboards, winter sports activities, and hazardous weather conditions creates perfect conditions for falls that often result in wrist injuries.
Understanding these injuries and seeking proper treatment proves crucial for preventing long-term complications.
Causes of Sprained Wrists
Falls on ice-covered sidewalks represent a leading cause of wrist sprains during winter months. When someone slips, the natural instinct to break their fall by extending their hands often results in a FOOSH (Fall On OutStretched Hand) injury. This mechanism typically causes sprains to the ligaments supporting the wrist joint, particularly the scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments.
Winter sports activities significantly contribute to the seasonal surge in wrist sprains. Skiing and snowboarding accidents frequently result in wrist injuries, especially among beginners learning proper falling techniques. Ice skating similarly presents risks, with falls often occurring at higher speeds than typical sidewalk slips.
New holiday gifts requiring balance and coordination, such as hoverboards, electric scooters, and skateboards, lead to numerous wrist injuries during the initial learning period. Children prove particularly susceptible as they experiment with these devices without proper protective equipment or supervision.
What is a Sprained Wrist?
Ligaments are the strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another in your body. A sprain is any type is an injury that causes a stretch or tear to a ligament.
Your wrist is especially susceptible to sprains because it is comprised of eight bones that attach to your hand and to your forearm. The wrist joint itself is covered by a joint capsule and the bones are connected to each other by ligaments.
Pain, swelling and tenderness in the wrist typically accompany a sprained wrist.
How are Sprained Wrists Diagnosed?
An orthopedic doctor, such as Dr. Rehman, who specializes in the hands and wrists is the best person to diagnose a sprained wrist. She will review your symptoms and do a physical exam of the wrist. Typically, an X-ray may also be needed to insure no bones have been broken.
How do Wrist Doctors Treat Sprained Wrists?
Proper diagnosis of wrist sprains requires careful clinical examination and often imaging studies to rule out more serious injuries. Dr. Rehman employs advanced diagnostic techniques to differentiate between simple sprains and more complex injuries that might involve small fractures or ligament tears.
Treatment protocols vary depending on injury severity. Grade I sprains typically respond well to conservative treatment including rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol). More severe Grade II or III sprains may require immobilization or, in some cases, surgical intervention to prevent chronic instability.
Typically a sprained wrist does not require surgery. However, in some cases the wrist may require a splint or cast to immobilize the injured area – and to prevent further injury.
Generally, wrist doctors treatments for sprained wrists Include:
- Ice packs on the wrist for 20 to 30 minutes every; 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days; or until the pain is gone
- Elevating the wrist on the back of a chair or couch while sitting,
- Elevating the wrist on a pillow when lying down
- Oral anti-inflammatory or other pain medication may be prescribed, if necessary
- A splint or a cast to support and stabilize the wrist and prevent further injury
- Physical therapy or specific exercises to strengthen and stretch the wrist
- Avoiding sports or activities that use the wrist until fully healed
With the short summers in Michigan, people are often anxious to get back to their sports, bike riding and other warm weather activities. However it is important to stabilize and immobilize the wrist and avoid further trauma or injury to the area until it is healed.
How Long is Recovery from a Sprained Wrist?
Recovery time from a sprained wrist ranges from several weeks for minor sprains to several months for more severe injuries. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, focusing on restoring range of motion, strength, and proper joint mechanics. Early intervention and appropriate treatment significantly improve outcomes and prevent chronic problems.
Also, in general, the longer you have symptoms before you begin treatment and rehabilitation, the longer the time period of recovery from your sprained wrist.
Additionally, everybody heals differently, and children and young people heal faster than older individuals. Returning to your sport or activity will be determined by your rate of healing, rather than a set number of days or weeks.
Continuing to perform the activity while the wrist is injured could cause permanent damage. Resting the injured area, and following your wrist doctors instructions (icing, exercises, etc.) will positively influence your rate of healing.
When the injured wrist has full range of motion and no pain, you may return to your activities. Prior to this, your wrist doctor may allow you to perform some of your activity with your wrist in a brace. Your injured wrist, hand and forearm need to have the same strength as the uninjured side.
Top Waterford Area Hand & Wrist Doctor
If you think you or your child may have a sprained wrist, or are having pain in your wrist, hand, fingers or arm, contact board certified wrist and hand doctor Dr. Rehman. Getting a complete and thorough evaluation and a comprehensive treatment program will get you on the road to recovery.
The sooner you begin the healing process, the sooner you can get back to enjoying the activities you love. Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.