Wrist sprains and how to treat them?

Wrist sprain is a common injury for all types of athletes. A momentary loss of balance is all it takes to fall or slip, and as you slip, it is a natural reflex of our body to stick out our hand in order to break the fall. 


However, once the hand hits the ground, the force of the impact is going to bend it back toward your forearm. This bend can stretch the ligaments that join the wrist and hand bones, causing tiny tears or sometimes even a complete break to the ligament. 


While the biggest cause of wrist sprains is usually due to falls, you can also get a wrist sprain from:


  • Putting extreme pressure on the wrist 

  • Twisting the wrist

  • Being hit on the wrist


Wrist sprains are the most common in:


  • Volleyball players

  • Basketball players

  • Baseball players

  • Gymnasts

  • Skiers, especially if they fall while holding the pole

  • Divers

  • Skaters and skateboarders


What are the Symptoms of a Wrist Sprain?


Many people ask what a sprained wrist looks like. Well, a mildly sprained wrist might just appear to be slightly swollen. In cases of more serious sprains, the swelling can be quite severe, and there might be bruising as well.


The common symptoms of a wrist sprain include:


  • Pain

  • Swelling around the wrist

  • Warmth and tenderness around the injury site

  • Bruising

  • Loss of motion

  • Weakness in the wrist

  • Feeling a tear or popping in the wrist


How is a Wrist Sprain Diagnosed?


If your wrist sprain is mild, you may not need any medical help, and it will get better on its own. However, if it does not improve within 48 hours, you should visit a doctor. You should also visit a doctor if you experience the following:


  • Bruising

  • Persistent pain

  • Persistent swelling

  • Difficulty moving your wrist


To diagnose a wrist sprain, your doctor will first give you a thorough physical exam. Your doctor is also likely to order the following diagnostic tests:


  • X-ray

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 

  • CT scan


An MRI or CT scan creates images of the tendons and ligaments, and your doctor can use these reports to check the severity of your wrist injury.


What is the treatment for a Wrist Sprain?


Minor to moderate wrist sprains tend to heal on their own if you give sufficient rest to that hand. You should rest your wrist for at least 48 hours. You can also ice your wrist to reduce the swelling and pain. You should do this for 20 to 30 minutes every four to five hours for at least two to three days, or until your pain is gone. 


Most doctors advise people to use a wrist brace for sprain. Putting on a wrist brace can help in the healing of many types of wrist injuries, sprains, and strains. Wrist braces are lightweight, and they are designed to ensure that the wearer feels more comfortable. Using a wrist brace for sprain stabilizes the wrist, and they can be worn immediately right after the injury has taken place. 


Some of the benefits associated with wearing a wrist brace for sprain include:


  • It relieves the pain and swelling.

  • It allows the damaged tissues to recover. 

  • It limits the movement of the wrist but allows free movement of the fingers.

  • It prevents wrist extension or flexion.

  • It prevents repetitive strain on the wrist muscles.


Best Wrist Braces for Sprain


If you are confused about which is the best wrist brace for sprain, here are some great options to select from:


1. Exos Thumb Spica Fracture Brace - Djo Global


This is one of the best wrist braces for sprain in the market today. While this might be a little above budget for many, the wrist brace provides an adjustable, lightweight, and reformable solution to help in the treatment of wrist sprains that need the wrist to be stabilized. This wrist brace is priced at $152. 


2. Bungee Wrist Splint Brace - Darco


The Bungee wrist splint brace is ideal for those who want to relieve the pain from mild sprains or strains. Priced at $22, this wrist brace for sprain comes with eight elastic bungees attached to one Velcro strap to provide a contoured fit around your wrist. 


3. Exoform Wrist Brace - Ossur


Priced at $15, the Exoform Wrist Brace - Ossur promises superior fit and comfort as it comes with contoured padding and extra support to keep your wrist immobilized with a rigid plastic outer covering.


4. Exoform Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace Splint - Ossur


Priced at $14, the Exform wrist brace is a lightweight and low-profile brace that helps keep the joint immobile. This helps your wrist sprain heal faster. The brace is also water-resistant. 


5. eLife Cool-Fit Wrap-Around Wrist Support Brace


One of the most popular wrist braces for sprain comes from eLife. This is a great budget-friendly option that is perfect for wrist injuries that benefit from compression. With a Velcro closure design that creates an easy universal fit, this is the best pocket-friendly option for treating a wrist sprain, coming at only $10.


So if you are searching for the perfect wrist brace for sprain for yourself or your loved ones, you will find many other top quality wrist brace for sprain at https://www.orthotape.com/


If someone is looking for wrist brace for sprain and other related medical equipment to help with a safe recovery and usage of supportive equipment, it is best to visit https://www.orthotape.com/. This website provides many other types of medical equipment of superior quality like waterproof casts, medical fracture boots, plaster bandages, and many other items.