Wrist Injury

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Put ice on the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Place the ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin.
• After the first 1 to 2 days, you may put heat on the injury to help ease the pain. You may use a heating pad (set on low), a whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20 minutes every hour. Do this for 48 hours.
• For 48 hours, keep your arm lifted above the level of your heart whenever possible to reduce the pain and swelling.
• Wear your splint until you see a doctor for a follow-up visit. If your fingers get numb or tingly, you may need to loosen your splint. If you do not know how to do this, call your doctor immediately for instructions.
• You may take over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain. If the doctor prescribes any medicine, take it exactly as directed. If it makes you drowsy, don't drive.
• If you have been given a tetanus shot, your arm may get swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the shot site. This is a normal reaction to the medicine.

Call Your Doctor If...

• If the pain or swelling grows worse.
• The fingers below the injury are colder than those on your other hand.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• The fingers below the injured wrist are swollen and very red.
• The fingers are swollen, turn white or blue, and feel cool.
• The fingers are numb or tingling.