Description...

A sprain is damage to ligaments of the wrist or hand when they are stretched beyond their normal range of motion. Most commonly, sprains occur in the wrist or fingers. Sprains range from the stretching of a ligament to a partial tear to a complete tear.

When a sprain occurs, blood vessels break and leak fluid into the surrounding tissue. Inflammation and swelling result, and the nerves become sensitive, causing a throbbing pain that worsens with pressure.

Treatment...

It's important to receive proper treatment for a wrist sprain. If the sprain is severe, if it is accompanied by a loss of function of the joint or muscle, or if you suspect that a bone fracture may have occurred, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Remember the acronym R.I.C.E. - Rest, Ice, Compression Wrap, Elevation:

• Rest the wrist immediately, immobilizing it.

• Ice the wrist to reduce swelling, using a 20-30 minutes on/20-30 minutes off cycle.

• Compress the wrist with an iGO Wrist Support, an iGO Wrist Stabilizer, an iGO Wrist Wraparound or another compression wrap to help immobilize it, allow it to begin healing and protect against re-injury.

• Elevate the wrist above heart level to help reduce swelling.

 

At-Home Exercises...

Wrist Bends:

Place your forearm on a flat surface with your wrist hanging off the side, palm down. Bend your hand at the wrist, with fingertips pointing toward the floor. Hold this stretch for five to ten seconds, then slowly lift the hand. Curl your fingers as you gently pull the wrist backward, holding for five to ten seconds. Release. Repeat ten times, then repeat with the opposite arm.

Ball Grip:

Hold a rubber ball, crumpled-up piece of paper or other round, squeezable object in your hand. Spread your fingers wide. Squeeze the ball or object as hard as you can for five seconds, then release. Repeat the exercise ten times, then switch to the opposite hand. Repeat for two additional sets on each hand.