We frequently take our body for granted, especially our wrists. This part of our anatomy helps us function in every aspect of our lives, whether typing on a key board or picking up grocery bags. This important part of your body gets the phrase from sports coaches that "it's all in the wrist", thus relaying the importance of this connecting joint.
If you have ever suffered a sore wrist, you know the importance of this body part. If left ignored, the problem may become worse over time. It may even affect the future quality of life if it turns into a chronic problem. Simple tasks may become overwhelming with a tender wrist, and the over the counter pain relief is not safe for the long term. Getting help to deal with the pain is important.
Pain that start small may get worse over time. A tender or sore wrist is possibly an indicator of a worse problem. Possibilities include gout, arthritis, carpal tunnel, cysts, sprains or fractures. Having a medical professional evaluate you as soon as possible can head off future problems. When treating your wrist, you may be told to use the RICE method.
RICE TREATMENT PROTOCOL
The at home elements for treating a sore wrist are meant to work in conjunction with medical care. The purpose of RICE treatment is to relieve pain and promote healing, while avoiding a recurring incidence of the injury. These treatments may apply to injuries or arthritis pain.
When performing at-home treatments for a sore wrist, your primary goal is to relieve the pain felt, promote the healing of the injury, and avoid the recurrence of said injury. This self-care treatment applies to almost all cases from repetitive stress injury to wrist trauma to arthritis-related wrist pain. * R stands for rest coupled with activity modification. You have to provide adequate rest for your injured wrist for at least 24-48 hours, which is called the critical period. Usually, your wrist will be encased in protective sheaths like a splint and/or sling. Plus, you have to modify your activities such that stress on the sore wrist is minimized during this period.
Ice and heat application may also help. Wondering which to use? Ice packs are used for acute (sudden) injuries, and heat pads for more chronic (ongoing) condition. Never leave ice pack on for more than 20 minutes each application.
Compression is utilized to keep the muscles stable. During this stage, there may also be a cortisone injection to amp up muscle power. Make sure that any bandaging is not so tight that your wrist becomes blue or cold.
When dealing with a sore wrist, elevate your wrist above your heart level as much as possible. Do this with a sling, or by using pillows during sleep.
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.
If you have ever suffered a sore wrist, you know the importance of this body part. If left ignored, the problem may become worse over time. It may even affect the future quality of life if it turns into a chronic problem. Simple tasks may become overwhelming with a tender wrist, and the over the counter pain relief is not safe for the long term. Getting help to deal with the pain is important.
Pain that start small may get worse over time. A tender or sore wrist is possibly an indicator of a worse problem. Possibilities include gout, arthritis, carpal tunnel, cysts, sprains or fractures. Having a medical professional evaluate you as soon as possible can head off future problems. When treating your wrist, you may be told to use the RICE method.
RICE TREATMENT PROTOCOL
The at home elements for treating a sore wrist are meant to work in conjunction with medical care. The purpose of RICE treatment is to relieve pain and promote healing, while avoiding a recurring incidence of the injury. These treatments may apply to injuries or arthritis pain.
When performing at-home treatments for a sore wrist, your primary goal is to relieve the pain felt, promote the healing of the injury, and avoid the recurrence of said injury. This self-care treatment applies to almost all cases from repetitive stress injury to wrist trauma to arthritis-related wrist pain. * R stands for rest coupled with activity modification. You have to provide adequate rest for your injured wrist for at least 24-48 hours, which is called the critical period. Usually, your wrist will be encased in protective sheaths like a splint and/or sling. Plus, you have to modify your activities such that stress on the sore wrist is minimized during this period.
Ice and heat application may also help. Wondering which to use? Ice packs are used for acute (sudden) injuries, and heat pads for more chronic (ongoing) condition. Never leave ice pack on for more than 20 minutes each application.
Compression is utilized to keep the muscles stable. During this stage, there may also be a cortisone injection to amp up muscle power. Make sure that any bandaging is not so tight that your wrist becomes blue or cold.
When dealing with a sore wrist, elevate your wrist above your heart level as much as possible. Do this with a sling, or by using pillows during sleep.
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.
About the Author:
Tom Nicholson spends his time helping sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. You can click here to learn more about having asore wrist.
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