Should you ice a sprained wrist?

A wrist sprain affects ligaments that connect the wrist bones. Pain, tenderness, swelling and reduced grip can follow a twist or fall. The location and severity of pain matter: a wrist injury with marked tenderness, deformity or difficulty using the hand may need an examination and imaging. Wrist pain can also persist when the original injury was more significant than it first appeared.

Rest from lifting and painful gripping, keep the hand raised when possible, and remove rings before swelling increases. A comfortable splint may limit movement, but it should not make the fingers cold, blue, tingling or increasingly numb. Use only pain medicine that is suitable for you and follow its label or a clinician's advice. Once pain allows, gentle finger movement helps prevent stiffness; rehabilitation can guide the return to wrist use.

Arrange prompt assessment after a fall if the wrist is deformed, very swollen, unusually tender, or difficult to move or grip. Seek urgent help for blue or cold fingers, worsening numbness, severe uncontrolled pain, or an open wound. Arrange review if pain or function is not improving, or if a splint causes pressure marks or altered sensation.

Ask whether you need an X-ray, how long to use a splint, which movements are safe, and when physiotherapy or strengthening should begin.