Another common ligament injury is a wrist sprain. The ligaments connect between bones in the wrist and sprains can range from strains to partial tears. The most common ligaments to be injured are the scapholunate and the triangular fibrocartilage complex. The sprains will develop swelling and pain, especially with the motion of the wrist. This can prevent football players from throwing, catching, and even running. Once your doctors give the diagnosis, it is time for the recovery process.
Icing
Wrist sprains can typically be treated without the need of surgery. Right after an injury, it is best to ice your wrist immediately. It will better control your inflammatory reaction to the injury. Though ice helps, there will still be some swelling and pain associated with the injury. Icing for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Do not apply directly to the skin because it could lead to frostbite.
Compression and Elevation
Another technique to prevent swelling is compression. Applying compression with an ace wrap or splint can also help prevent any motion that can cause pain. The compression can also stop the formation of excess fluid which can limit your wrist mobility, contribute to pain and discomfort, and also lengthen the healing process. Elevating the injured wrist can reduce the amount of blood that flows to the injury. While sleeping, propping your wrist on a pillow above your heart for continued elevation.
Medication
Taking anti-inflammatory medicine can help reduce the pain and swelling. Using the recommended dosage for a few days can lead to a quicker recovery. After a couple days, you should consider stopping the use of medication to see where your wrist is at in the recovery process. It you are still experiencing extensive pain, you may want to consult your doctor.
Physical Therapy
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to see a physical therapist. This will help develop the proper strength for your wrist and also give you the opportunity to learn preventative measures. Strengthening all aspects of your wrists and not just the injured part is very important because it can prevent future injuries.
Rest
During the recovery period, you should not use your wrist in the motion where you feel any pain or discomfort. Resting is key when your ligaments and muscles are trying to repair themselves. Though you may want to continue practicing, the simple process of throwing a football could damage your wrist further. It may even create a need for surgery if you continue to use it during the recovery period.