From the Guidelines
Treatment for a wrist sprain should prioritize avoiding activities that cause pain and seeking medical attention if the injury limits use of the wrist. According to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, it is recommended that a person with a painful extremity injury, such as a wrist sprain, should avoid activities that cause pain and seek medical attention.
Key Recommendations
- Avoid activities that cause pain and seek medical attention if the injury limits use of the wrist 1
- Apply cold, such as with ice and water surrounded by a damp cloth, to the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes per application to help with pain and swelling, without direct contact on the skin to avoid cold injury 1
- Consider applying a compression wrap to promote comfort after the injury, without compromising circulation 1
Additional Considerations
When managing a wrist sprain, it is essential to prioritize reducing pain and inflammation, protecting the injured ligaments during healing, and gradually restoring strength and mobility to the wrist. While the provided guidelines do not specifically address the use of over-the-counter pain medications or the RICE protocol, these are common approaches used in clinical practice to manage wrist sprains. However, the most recent and highest quality study available, the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, should be prioritized when making treatment decisions.