I have torn a ligament in my wrist.... Need help?

I have torn a ligament in my wrist and am having problems recovering, I am wearing a splint and resting (as much as I can - e.g. I am typing right now) the nurse said it would take 2 weeks but 6 have already passed. I would be grateful for any advice/information. thanks.

i would say gentle exercise is likely to help but ask your doc first

Did this at work last year. Old school says you shouldn't move it at all, but recent thought says stretching is good and aids recovery. Obviously don't overdo it tho. 2 months b4 mine was ok.

Ligaments will take a while to heal, just as tendons do. THey are primarily made up of collagen fibers, which do not repair themselves very rapidly.

If you follow the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) it will aid the healing process. You don't necessarily need to elevate your wrist above youe heart, but at least lay your hand on a pillow on your lap.

Gently stretching the area may help, but check with your Doctor to make sure that you do not tear the ligament more.

If you can go see a Physical Therapist, it would be best for you at this point. If not, work closely with your Doctor and annoy him/her until your wrist is better.

Ligaments can take quite along time to heal as the ligaments need to repair together.As long as you rest,apply ice to the area,check for circulatio,and elevate the arm when possible the healing process may fastern up,but you must remember all people are differant with healing.Nurses and Drs do give a estament time off recovery but sometimes there not always correct.Just do as you are told by your Dr.Good Luck

Injury to a ligament is called a SPRAIN.
Injury to a muscle is called a STRAIN.

In either case, the very first thing you should do is:

R.I.C.E.

REST-Stop all activities which cause pain to the sprained area.

ICE-Apply icing to the area several times a day, but never for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Protect the skin.

COMPRESSION-Wrap the sprained area to reduce swelling.

ELEVATION: Keep the sprained area as close to the level of the heart as is conveniently possible.

The Ice and Compression (Cold compression therapy} will stop the pain and swelling while the injury starts to heal itself. Controlling the swelling and inflammation is critical to the healing process and the icing further restricts fluid leaking into the injured area as well as controlling pain.

Elevation is best achieved by raising the wrist to about waist level to keep gravity from allowing the fluid (serum) to pool in the wrist. Ice and compression also help prevent this.

The extreme pain and stiffness is worse the first 2 days, then it should gradually subside. Since this appears to be chronic with you, stopping the swelling (inflammation) is key to a quicker recovery.

Try cold compression therapy and I think you'll see definite improvement.

Good Luck