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How can you care for your dislocated wrist?
- Put ice or a cold pack on your wrist for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your cast or splint. Keep your cast or splint dry.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions for wearing a splint or cast.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Prop up your wrist on pillows when you sit or lie down in the first few days after the injury. Keep your wrist higher than the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
Dislocated wrist: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have severe or increasing pain.
- You have problems with your cast or splint. For example:
- The skin under the cast or splint is burning or stinging.
- The cast or splint feels too tight.
- There is a lot of swelling near the cast or splint. But some swelling is expected.
- You have a new fever.
- There is drainage or a bad smell coming from the cast or splint.
- You cannot move your fingers.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your hand and fingers.
- Your fingers turn cold or pale or change color.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have problems with the cast or splint.
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.