Regardless of how an injury occurs the immediate actions taken remain the same, in ceasing an activity and resting as carrying on with an activity can make the injury even worse. In the immediate aftermath of an injury you may experience pain and inflammation of the joint which can limit mobility. In more serious injuries such as a broken wrist the symptoms can be more obvious and you should visit a hospital to have it addressed.
This article looks at some of the most common wrist injuries incurred and rehabilitation through the use of a wrist support in conjunction with other methods.
Sprained Wrist
This is one of the most common forms of wrist injuries and something we will all encounter at some stage, as a result of landing awkwardly on the joint or picking up something too heavy. A wrist injury has varying grades attributed to it, from one to three depending on the severity of the injury. The sprain itself results from damage to the ligaments within the joint, which are tough bands of tissue connecting the bones and responsible for overall stabilisation.
A grade one injury is minor and you should expect to recover within a few days following rest and the use of ice to help manage any inflammation and pain, whereas a grade three injury may require physiotherapy and even surgery to rectify the problem.
A wrist support can also be worn following a sprained wrist, offering an additional level of support for the joint. There are different wrist support products available depending on the nature of the condition you wish to manage, from a material based support to something rigid and preventing movement of the joint.
For a sprained wrist a standard material based wrist support will suffice, offering the patient compression to help manage inflammation and pain as well as offering a degree of support to enhance mobility. There are some manufacturers offering breathable material which not only conforms to the skin and joint but is designed to be discreet and worn under clothing to allow a person to carry on as normal.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is often referred to as work-related upper limb disorder, a condition describing pain in muscles, nerves and tendons resulting from overuse. The condition is not just limited to the wrist and can affect the forearm, elbow, neck and even shoulders. Patients typically notice swelling and stiffness in affected areas, which can be very uncomfortable and limit mobility.
RSI can be defined by two different types, with the first being something a doctor is able to diagnose based on the symptoms displayed. The second is classed as non-specific pain syndrome where a doctor is unable to determine the root cause of the problem experienced due to the lack of obvious symptoms.
A type one RSI can be the result of conditions such as bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Bursitis is a common complaint of the knee, elbow and shoulder whereas the other two can impact on the wrist joint.
Tendonitis is something which can be addressed through physiotherapy, providing wrist strengthening exercises and working to removes any excess cartilage build up within the joint. A wrist support can also be used to offer additional support during movement as the joint can be weakened as a result of the condition. A material based wrist support such as the Bioskin Boomerang would suffice in being able to alleviate any inflammation and pain experienced.
Broken Wrists
This is the most serious form of wrist injury encountered and can even require surgery to reset bone alignment. This will typically result from falling over and can take up to eight weeks to heal in adults. In the immediate aftermath of the injury it will be very painful and can become swollen very quickly, making it quite clear as to the severity of the injury. In some cases there may be bleeding should the bone have damaged tissue or the skin.
If you suspect that you have broken your wrist then you should visit your local hospital, where they will be able to assess the severity of the injury and may even x-ray the joint. Typically a solid cast will be placed on the wrist to protect it during the recovery period so that it can heal. Once the cast has been removed the joint will be weaker and require a period physiotherapy and strengthening to regain full fitness.
A lot of patients suffering from a broken wrist will be concerned of causing further injury, with many opting to wear a wrist support for additional protection. A rigid wrist support should be used following such an injury as it prevents any unnatural movement of the joint without limiting the motion of your hand. The wrist support will also protect against any impact damage and offer additional support of the joint which can help when lifting or holding items.
Each type of wrist injury is completely different and there is a wrist support to manage each specific condition. If you are unsure as to the extent of the injury you have incurred then you should seek a professional diagnosis, where they will be able to assess you and prescribe a course of treatment, which may involve rest, the use of a wrist support, physiotherapy or a combination of all three.
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