sprain?

[condor66]

i slipped yesterday and sprained my wrist. today after being at work it has become sore and swollen. I have taken ibuprofen what else can i do ?

[CheekyChops]

Well I did a similar thing to my thumb last week. I phoned NHS Direct and was advised to take ibuprofen, keep it elevated whenever possible and to apply an ice pack.

They also advised me to go to the NHS Walk-In Centre to get it x-rayed (just in case) which I did - five days later. It isn't broken luckily but they have strapped it up which helps a lot as I can't move it and it's also put my mind at rest that I have done no damage.

By the way, it still hurts like hell six days later and I still can't use it!

[condor66]

thnks for that quick reply cheekychops .

I did wonder if i should get it x-rayed but dont think it is broken ,wouldn't want to waste a & e time . I will keep on taking the ibuprofen and will ask my hubby to strap it up 4 me when he gets in.I did keep it elevated last night but i suppose using it today at work has caused it to swell again.
Thanks again.

[naz_nomad]

bet you a tenner it's cracked a bone ... get it x-rayed

[kwicky]

Ibuprofen is a widely prescribed painkiller and you probably already realised that problems can occur if you exceed the normal dose:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8122-2 207663,00.html

[condor66]

if the bone is cracked what will they do?

[SRH]

Suggesting it could be a 'cracked bone' is a bit drastic! If you can move it then it's unlikely to be broken (but I'm not a doctor - just a qualified first aider - so it might be worth asking your GP or NHS walk-in centre to have a look at it if the pain continues. Much faster and less hassle than going to the hospital). Sadly, sprains can take time to heal (sometimes longer than a broken bone) and ibuprofen is still your best bet for easing the pain - and it's an anti-inflamatory, which will speed up the healing process. As kwicky says, no painkiller is perfect, but just make sure you follow the instructions (sure you know this already!!!) and you'll be fine. Hope you feel better soon.

[condor66]

thanks for all the replies. yesterday i went to get an x-ray. No fracture (thankfully), just a bad sprain. They have given me a splint to wear and i have to go back next week to have it reviewed.

[MarkyP05]

Generally after an injury its advised to follow RICE guidelines

Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation

see... http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/tw43 54.asp#
for more detailed view.

but since you injured it a while back it'll be good advice for the future if heaven forbid you re-injure it or another part of your body!

[condor66]

well. went back to hospital a week after x-ray as advised by the doc, only to be told that i DID have a fracture !!! now in plaster for 2 weeks .never mind:(