Sprained wrist

introduction

A wrist sprain, also known as a distortion in medical jargon, can quickly develop in a fall and often occurs as part of sports injuries. If you fall, you instinctively try to support yourself on the ground with your spread hand. The impact does not always have to result in a direct fracture, but can also cause a sprain, which can be just as uncomfortable as a fracture of the bone. A sprain is an overstretching of the ligaments that support and secure the joint. They also ensure the smooth functioning of the wrist.

Symptoms

A sprain caused by falling on the wrist does not have to be immediately visible from the outside. Often the patient initially only feels the sudden severe pain due to the shock. This severely restricts the movement of the injured wrist. Most of the time, swelling and possibly a larger bruise developed only after hours (Hematoma). The bleeding into the tissue can also be an indication that the sprain is the Tapes overstretched so much that they ended up being too torn could be.

What to do - first aid

After a fall, the shock can be great and if you suspect you may have sustained a sprain or similar injury, initial measures can be helpful. Often the PECH rule proven. PECH means Break, ice, Compression (Compression) and Elevate. Accordingly, the affected should first wrist be kept calm and not burdened any further. The immobilization can also be supported by a correctly applied bandage. The injured wrist should be consistently cooled and elevated right from the start. Cool packs that are wrapped in a towel are suitable for cooling. These direct measures after the fall can prevent excessive swelling, which can cause additional pain. At the same time, the elevated position helps to break down areas of bleeding in the skin and the healing process is promoted. If the pain remains very severe and the swelling does not decrease significantly within a few days, a specialist should be consulted for an assessment.

Sprain vs. Broken

After a fall on the wrist, the symptoms cannot always rule out whether or not it is one Broken bone acts. A sprain often results in one Overextension and strain of the surrounding ligaments and joint capsule. These injuries can cause severe pain, which can make the person concerned unsure whether the bone is broken. A fracture of the bone is often accompanied by a loud noise. However, if a strap tears in the wrist, this can also tear whip-like sound cause. An open fracture is easy to diagnose, but a closed, invisible fracture cannot always be clearly differentiated from a sprain. If there is a fracture in the wrist, an abnormal position may be an indication of a fracture.

For example, the bones can be visibly shifted from one another. You can also Bone fragments or Bone ends well below the skin step forward. The injured wrist also feels very unstable and can usually be moved beyond the physiological range of motion. There is abnormal mobility. With a sprain, however, the patient can move the affected joint less easily due to the severe pain and avoids any strain. If there is a break, a rubbing noise can often be heard during movement. This can occur, for example, when parts of bones split off. With both types of injury, swelling and bleeding into the skin occur.

Swelling and Hematomas (bruises) usually only appear hours after the accident. Both the sprain and the fracture can both be under the First aid after PECH method are supplied. If a bone fracture is suspected, it should be treated like a fracture until a definite diagnosis is made, as any further stress or movement can complicate the fracture. A reliable distinction between sprains and broken bones can only be made by a X-ray examination to be hit. In the X-rays, cracks in the bone can be seen well or even rule out a fracture. Accordingly, after a fall and persistent symptoms, it is always safer to consult a specialist who can make the correct diagnosis and then initiate the appropriate therapy.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis can often be made by the person concerned or by a doctor. Signs of a sprain are a swollen joint, a Hematoma due to the Bruise, Pain and yet the joint can be slightly stressed. The doctor will ask about the exact course of the accident in the anamnesis and can draw initial conclusions based on the type of injury. However, if there is any doubt that it is actually just a sprain, the doctor can take further measures. This includes, for example conventional x-ray or one Computed Tomography. With these examinations you can Torn ligaments or bone fragments are found.

therapy

Therapy depends on the severity of the injury.In addition, it depends on the extent to which it is necessary for the patient. Active and young people often aim to be able to put weight on their wrist again as quickly as possible. A exercise support therapy makes sense if, for example, the right hand of a right-handed person is affected, which is also used when working. First aid after a sprain is as described above PECH rule.

Taping the wrist

The Taping offers a way to treat a sprain. Tape bandages restrict unwanted freedom of movement and at the same time support the joint capsule and the associated ligaments when stressed. They stabilize the joint and can also be used to prevent sprains and torn ligaments. In order to tape the wrist properly, the arm should first be relaxed and stretched out on a surface. The wrist must be in the correct natural position be bandaged so that there is no deformity or contractures. The first two strips of tape are attached just before the wrist and the front end of the metacarpal bone. They serve as anchors and should have a good, tight fit, but not pinch off the underlying tissue.

On the outside of the wrist, horizontally running reins are now glued to connect the anchors. Furthermore, one reins are placed on the back of the hand and one under the little finger. Likewise, a thumb rein is stuck on that the Saddle thumb joint includes. Subsequently, diagonal stripes are attached. You run from the little finger to the thumb rein and vice versa, so that it shows a cross on the back of the hand. Tape strips are attached to the inside of the hand using the same system as on the outside of the hand.

Finally, tape strips are glued horizontally from anchor to anchor, starting on the inside of the hand. this is that actual taping and is also repeated on the palm of the hand. After the tape has been attached, protruding tape ends can be cut off. Overall, care should be taken to ensure that the tapes are firmly in place, but that they do not impair the blood flow to the hand or the individual fingers. It should therefore have a stabilizing and supporting function.

Association

Of the Association is also one of the first measures after the accident. It is attached with a little pressure so that it can prevent swelling through the compression. Similar to a tape bandage, it gives the joint support and supports the joint structures when exposed to stress. In the acute phase, an ice pack can also be placed under the bandage, which also helps prevent swelling. Later on, pain reliever and cooling ointments can be applied under the bandage. The bandage is applied in parallel diagonal strips with gentle tension. It should be placed around the thumb to the base of the fingers. Here, too, it is important to ensure a tight but comfortable fit that continues to ensure blood flow and movement of the fingers.

homeopathy

Also homeopathic remedies can be used to treat sprains. Come into question Agnus castus, Arnica montana, Bellis perennis, Bryonia alba, Rhus toxicodendron and Ruta graveolens. The remedies are administered in low potencies. You take ten to twenty drops three times a day. The substances mentioned have a positive effect on healing, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and stimulate the body's self-healing powers. That too Schüssler salt number 1 Calcium fluoratum can be taken for a sprain. It is supposed to promote the elasticity of the fibers and can thus have a positive effect on the healing of a sprain, overstretching or even a strain.

Duration

The duration of the injury and the subsequent healing process depends on the severity and extent of the injury. In addition, the course of the accident, the age of the patient and the need for treatment with regard to the patient's occupation play an important role in the healing process.

A simple sprain (distortion) of the wrist heals quickly and without complications in most cases. Healing can be promoted by protecting the affected joint in the first few weeks. It is important to comply with the PECH rules immediately after the accident. Compression, elevation, and cooling can stop worsening swelling and intra-articular bruising. Nevertheless, the healing process takes several weeks before the joint can be fully loaded again. Since the joint capsule and the surrounding ligaments can still be unstable after a longer period of stress-free treatment, it is advisable to stabilize the joint with supportive bandages in the form of a bandage or tapes even after the sprain has healed. In this way, injuries such as a renewed sprain, strain or torn ligament can be avoided.

A complicated sprain can also affect the joint capsule and ligaments. Since a distortion is usually a spot injury, it is often accompanied by combined injuries that can have an unfavorable effect on healing. If the ligaments are also torn during a sprain, surgical treatment is often necessary. Otherwise it can happen that the ligaments do not grow together properly and also form scars, which can then worsen the resilience and stability of the joint. The ligament can also slacken and lose its supportive effect on the joint. Further injuries can then result. In this case, surgery is essential.

The healing and resilience takes a few weeks to fully recover. An operation presents additional risks, such as infection of the surgical wound. It can significantly extend the healing time. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor early on who has specialist knowledge in this area and can accordingly avoid further complications.

Please also read our article on this Duration of a sprain.