From the Guidelines
Management of wrist swelling typically involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) as the initial approach, with the goal of reducing inflammation and pain, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. When managing wrist swelling, it's essential to consider the underlying cause, as treatment may vary for conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, fractures, or infections.
- Rest the affected wrist by avoiding activities that cause pain or discomfort.
- Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48-72 hours to reduce inflammation.
- Use a compression bandage or wrist brace to provide support and minimize swelling, but ensure it's not too tight.
- Elevate the wrist above heart level when possible to help reduce fluid accumulation. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food) or naproxen (220-440mg twice daily) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation, as they work by blocking prostaglandins that cause inflammation and pain 1. For persistent swelling, a healthcare provider may recommend prescription-strength anti-inflammatories, corticosteroid injections, or physical therapy, with the main goal of achieving clinical remission and reducing disease activity 1. It's crucial to monitor disease activity regularly, including tender and swollen joint counts, patient and physician global assessments, ESR, and CRP, to guide decisions on choice and changes in treatment strategies 1. If swelling persists beyond a week, worsens significantly, is accompanied by severe pain, numbness, or follows a significant injury, medical attention should be sought promptly, as these could indicate more serious conditions requiring specific interventions, such as radiographs or other imaging studies 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
NSAID medicines are used to treat pain and redness, swelling, and heat (inflammation) from medical conditions such as: different types of arthritis The management and treatment options for wrist swelling (edema) include the use of NSAIDs such as naproxen to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- The treatment should be used exactly as prescribed
- At the lowest dose possible
- For the shortest time needed 2
From the Research
Management and Treatment Options for Wrist Swelling (Edema)
- The management of wrist swelling (edema) is multifaceted and includes rest, physical therapy, and the use of drugs 3
- Treatment for wrist pain, which may be associated with swelling, is primarily surgical but may also include the use of drugs, application of splints, and other therapies 4
- In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause wrist swelling, treatment may involve synovectomy, including carpal tunnel release, to remove inflamed tissue and relieve pressure on the wrist 5
- For osteoarthritis of the wrist, treatment alternatives may include surgical options to eliminate pain-generating articulations 6
- Injection therapy with a combination of steroid and lidocaine may be an effective treatment for stenosing tenosynovitis (de Quervain's disease) of the wrist, providing complete relief of symptoms in most patients 7
Surgical Treatment Options
- Synovectomy, including carpal tunnel release, may be performed to treat extensive flexor tenosynovitis with rice bodies in the wrist 5
- Surgical treatment alternatives for osteoarthritis of the wrist may include procedures to eliminate pain-generating articulations 6
- Operative management may be necessary for some patients with de Quervain's disease who do not respond to injection therapy 7
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
- Rest, physical therapy, and the use of drugs may be used to manage wrist swelling (edema) 3
- Application of splints and other therapies may be used to treat wrist pain associated with swelling 4
- Injection therapy with a combination of steroid and lidocaine may be used to treat stenosing tenosynovitis (de Quervain's disease) of the wrist 7