Wrist Pain:Treatment & When To Call The Doctor
There are many different ways to treat wrist pain. It is important to find the treatment that works best for you. Some common treatments include: (5)
Home remedies
Wrist pain is a common ailment that can be treated with a variety of home remedies.
Epsom salt
If you are experiencing wrist pain, the magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt may be able to help. Soaking the wrist in warm water mixed with Epsom salt can help to relax the muscles and ease pain. To use Epsom salt for wrist pain, dissolve one or two cups in a bathtub of warm water and soak for fifteen to twenty minutes. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to the water for extra relaxation.
Resting your wrist
This is often the first and most recommended step in treating wrist pain. If you are experiencing wrist pain, the best thing that you can do is to rest your wrist. This means avoiding any activities that cause pain and limiting movement to only those things that do not cause discomfort. Resting your wrist will help to reduce the inflammation and allow the injury to heal.
Ice packs
Ice packs are a common treatment for wrist pain. They can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. When using an ice pack, it is important to apply it for the recommended amount of time and to make sure that the skin is covered with a cloth or towel to prevent frostbite.
Applying cold compress with an ice pack can also help numb the area and provide relief from pain.
Avoid repetitive tasks
If you are experiencing wrist pain, there are a few things you can do to help avoid making the problem worse – and avoiding repetitive tasks that can put stress on your wrists is the major one.
When you do a job that requires you to do the same thing over and over again, it can be easy to develop wrist pain. Typing on a keyboard, using a mouse, or doing anything that involves repetitive hand motions can cause pain in the wrists. You can help prevent or alleviate wrist pain by taking breaks from those tasks. Get up, move around, and stretch your hands and wrists every hour or so. You can also ice your wrists for 10 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation. If the pain persists, see a doctor to find out if you need additional treatment.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce inflammation and pain. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are a common treatment for wrist pain. They work by reducing inflammation and pain. They are available over the counter or can be prescribed by your doctor. It is important to follow the instructions on the label or from your doctor when taking these medications.
Wrist brace
There are many different ways to treat wrist pain. One way is to wear a wrist brace. A wrist brace can help to support the wrist and keep it from moving around too much. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation. A wrist brace can also help to keep the wrist in a neutral position. This can help to prevent further injury and pain.
Wrist stretches / exercises
If you are experiencing wrist pain, there are a few stretches you can do to help alleviate the discomfort.
- The first stretch is to extend your arm out in front of you, with your palm facing up. Slowly bend your hand backwards until you feel a stretch in your wrist. Hold for 30 seconds and release. Repeat 3 times.
- The second stretch is to hold your arm out to the side, with your palm facing down. Bend your hand backwards until you feel a stretch in your wrist. Hold for 30 seconds and release. Repeat 3 times.
These stretches can be done 2-3 times per day to help reduce wrist pain.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around your wrist. It can also help by improving range of motion, strength, flexibility, and the coordination and movement of the wrist. Physical therapy may also include heat or ice treatment, massage, or electrical stimulation. If you are experiencing wrist pain, be sure to speak with your doctor about whether physical therapy is right for you.
Chiropractic care
Most people think of chiropractic care treatment for back pain. However, chiropractors can also help alleviate wrist pain. The wrists are delicate joints that are easily injured. They are subject to a lot of stress and can be easily sprained or fractured. Chiropractic care can help to realign the bones and muscles in the wrist, which can reduce or eliminate the pain.