Wrist pain or discomfort can keep you from doing things you want and need to do, such as typing, twisting a doorknob, high-fiving someone, or clapping. Acute wrist injury, arthritis, gout, and carpel tunnel syndrome are some of the many things that can cause wrist pain.
Thankfully, you can ease your wrist pain by following some easy tips. However, it’s important to see your wrist doctor if the pain doesn’t improve with home remedies.
Let’s look at four easy at-home tips you can follow to ease your wrist pain and where you can go for effective pain management in Bismarck, ND.
Tip#1 Cut Down or Stop Activities That Are Causing Pain
Certain repetitive wrist movements can bring on wrist pain or make the existing wrist pain even worse. These activities include typing, playing an instrument, and using vibrating tools for work.
So, if you’re involved in such repetitive wrist movements, rest your wrist by cutting down on such activities. If cutting down or stopping the activity is not possible for you, modify your activity to relieve irritation to your wrist and the surrounding tendons.
For example, if typing is the activity that brings on or worsens your pain, lowers your keyboard so that your wrist doesn’t bend upward during typing. Also, take frequent breaks and rest your hands. Using wrist rest with your mouse, keyboard, and trackpad can also help.
Tip#2 Ice Your Wrist
Wrist pain accompanied by swelling and tenderness can get better with icing. You can put an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on your wrist for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Never put ice directly on your wrist as it can impair the blood flow; instead, wrap the ice pack in a towel and place it on your wrist.
Elevating your wrist can also lessen your wrist pain.
Tip# 3 Wear a Splint
To support your painful wrist, take the pressure off of your injured wrist, and ease pain, wear a splint. A splint or brace, particularly the one you wear at night, will keep your wrist in the correct position without putting any strain on it.
Wearing a splint can also help reduce wrist inflammation, leading to wrist pain relief. You can get a splint or brace of your choice from a nearby drugstore or pharmacy.
Tip #4 Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If your pain persists even after icing, wrist elevation, and rest, take over-the-counter pain medications, such as naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil).
If your wrist pain is due to an injury, do not take ibuprofen in the first 2 days after the injury, as ibuprofen can slow down the healing.
Wrist Pain in Bismarck, ND
If your wrist pain, discomfort, and swelling are severe and are not getting better with at-home treatments, consider visiting an orthopedic doctor at The Bone & Joint Center. Our orthopedic doctors, Dr. Duncan Ackerman, Dr. Brock Norrie, and Dr. Troy Pierce, are specialized in diagnosing and treating upper extremity conditions and injuries, including wrist pain. They will do a thorough assessment to pinpoint the underlying cause of your wrist pain and then develop a tailor-made treatment plan for you.
If you would like to make an appointment with one of our wrist experts, call us today at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650 or use our convenient online request form.
