Don’t have Wimpy Wrists
A wrist fracture and/or a muscle sprain of the wrist has the potential to impact daily life for an extended period of time. Wrist fractures/sprains result from falls, sports activities and improper lifting. Owing to the complex architecture of the bones, muscles and ligaments in the wrist and hand, healing can take a while.
The wrist itself is a joint with multiple bones connecting the hand and the forearm. The type of treatment will depend upon the nature and the extent of injury to the bones, muscles and ligaments. Typical symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising especially with movement.
In some cases, nerve involvement can result in a tingling sensation in the fingers. It is important to rest and restrict motion to allow the injury to heal and to prevent displacement of bone fragments and other complications. During the healing period, the wrist may be kept immobilized for a short period of time. This allows sufficient time and safe alignment for the healing process.
Sometimes, patients are reluctant to schedule time to have a wrist examination, despite significant pain. Often patients seek over-the-counter painkillers to deal with wrist pain, since it's an inconvenience. Getting the wrist checked as soon as possible is important since it can help avoid serious complications down the road. The physical therapist will select the appropriate rehabilitation option to reduce pain and restore functionality. Some of the options include:
Exercise – After removal of the cast/brace, patients may experience some discomfort and weakness as they start to use their wrist again. A customized physical therapy exercise program is a critical component for easing pain and building strength while restoring functionality and dexterity in the affected area.
Hot and Cold Therapy – Hot and cold packs are used to alleviate pain and swelling once the cast is removed and throughout rehabilitation.
Mobilization – A therapist performs manual therapy techniques to relieve joint stiffness and restore a normal range of motion.
Ultrasound – Soft tissue is stimulated below the surface of the skin using audio waves to accelerate the healing process through cellular regeneration while decreasing pain and swelling.
Electrical stimulation – This method is an effective tool for alleviating pain, strength training and rehabilitation for joints that have been inactive for extended periods of time.
Therapeutic Massage– Therapeutic massage offers many benefits. It can relieve stress in stiff joints and enhances the body's own ability to heal itself. Depending upon the needs of the patient, a variety of massage techniques can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Wrist fractures and muscle sprains are painful and affect your ability to perform daily tasks. For example, if your work requires a lot of typing or writing it can be difficult to perform tasks. Without proper strengthening, stretching and overall rehabilitation, recovery can be a long, painful process. If you are experiencing pain from a wrist injury, we can create a customized treatment plan that will reduce pain, restore mobility and facilitate recovery. Call us today to ensure a quick and speedy recovery.
Dr. Megan Fuhrman PT, DPT