1. Take Rest:
After any injury, taking rest is important for healing. Resting your fractured wrist is the first step in promoting recovery. Rest your wrist to reduce the inflammation and avoid putting pressure on it. Immobilizing the wrist with a brace or cast may help minimize the movement of the injured area and speed up healing.
2. Apply Ice:
Ice helps to reduce inflammation and provides pain relief. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for around 20-30 minutes, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to your skin, as it may cause further injury. Wrap ice in a clean cloth or towel and hold it gently over your injured wrist.
3. Exercise Your Fingers:
Although you have a fractured wrist, it is still important to exercise your fingers regularly. Exercising your fingers can prevent muscle degeneration and help restore mobility in your wrist. Rotate your fingers clockwise and counterclockwise, or make a fist and hold it for a few seconds. You can also massage your fingers gently to boost your blood flow.
4. Elevate Your Wrist:
Elevating your wrist helps to reduce swelling and pain. While resting, keep your wrist elevated above your heart level. This will allow blood to flow freely from your wrist, and reduce the pressure on the affected area.
5. Take Painkillers:
Pain relief is key when you have a fractured wrist. Over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can ease the pain and discomfort you experience. Always follow the instructions provided on the packaging, and do not exceed the recommended dose.
6. Eat Nutritious Foods:
Nutrition plays an essential role in the recovery of any injury. Eating a balanced diet that contains calcium and vitamin D can boost healing and maintain bone density. Foods that are rich in calcium include cheese, yogurt, kale, broccoli, and other green vegetables.
7. Avoid Carrying Heavy Objects:
While healing from a fractured wrist, you should avoid carrying heavy objects that may put pressure on your wrist. Carrying anything that weighs more than a few pounds may interfere with the healing process, and prolong the recovery time.
8. Attend Your Follow-Up Appointments:
Your doctor will schedule several follow-up appointments during your recovery period to monitor how well your injury is healing. Attend all your appointments, as your doctor may recommend changes to your treatment plan as needed.
In conclusion, a fractured wrist can be a painful and uncomfortable injury that can interfere with your daily life. However, proper medical care combined with the right behaviors can help speed up healing and prevent further complications. By resting your wrist, applying ice, taking painkillers, exercising your fingers, eating nutritious foods, and attending your follow-up appointments, you can recover from the injury and move forward with your life.