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Treating a Sore Wrist Prevent Future Problems


By Tom Nicholson

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 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 PROTOCOL

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.

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.

Keep in mind that the RICE treatment protocol is applicable for first aid and after-care situations. As soon as you feel that your injured wrist is not responding to the RICE treatment, you must seek medical advice at once.

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.

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