Sometimes Ignoring It Won't Make It Go Away

Published on July 7, 2006 By MasonM In Health & Medicine

I sprained my left wrist a couple of weeks ago while chaining down a load. It was the load to California in fact. It wasn't a bad sprain as sprains go, but with the constant driving and working it just really hasn't improved all that much.

I can stand the pain well enough, but the weakness associated with the sprain has really been bugging me, especially when trying to work. Today while doing the detach to drive the fire truck off the trailer I grabbed the 4x4 lumber I use to support the top deck during the detach and promptly dropped it on my foot. The stupid wrist again. Of course at that moment I not only had a shot of burning pain in my wrist and hand but also a rather gruesome pain in my left foot. I decided to stop ignoring it and do something about it.

When I got to the truckstop I purchased a Body Glove wrist wrap, which is a pretty nice product for only $3.99 (I'm sure it would be even cheaper someplace other than a truckstop), and filled a large cup with ice. I iced down the wrist for about an hour or so and then put on the wrap.

The compression makes a world of difference. The wrist is semi-imobilized and supported, and the compression feels wonderful. The pain went away almost as soon as I put on the wrap. I wish I'd done this two weeks ago instead of being the stubborn, macho asshat that is me.

I'll probably have to wear it for a couple of weeks or so to allow the wrist to properly heal and strengthen again.

Then I'll be ready to get out and damage it again.

Comments

Dr Guy

on Jul 07, 2006

Smarter man than I. I sprained my ankle and limped with crutches a few weeks. But then ignored it. Now, when the weather is not right. I liimp down stairs.

Dont take chances. I may not make it out of the next towering inferno, but it is only my ankle! Not really my job.

Yours is.

eieio

on Jul 07, 2006

I can relate to that.

I developed tendonitis (currently called Carpal Tunnel) in my left wrist about 30 years ago due to intensive and extended guitar playing. Oh it went away, but since then anytime I really stress that wrist, it goes south periodically, including the ability to grip anything.

Needless to say, when it acts up I never pick up a hot cup of coffee with my left hand.

Feisty_in_ohio

on Jul 07, 2006

Sorry for your boo-boo.
Sprains are more annoying than a break. A fracture gets put in a cast and 6 to 8 weeks later you're on your way.
Darn sprains ache on & off for months.

From basic first aid for sprains (Red Cross & Girl Scouts)
RICE:
Rest the injured part.
Ice the injury.
Compress the injured area. (not too tight).
Elevate the injured part.

MasonM

on Jul 08, 2006

#1 by Dr. Guy
Fri, July 07, 2006 7:05 PM

[Dr. Guy]

Smarter man than I. I sprained my ankle and limped with crutches a few weeks. But then ignored it. Now, when the weather is not right. I liimp down stairs.

Dont take chances. I may not make it out of the next towering inferno, but it is only my ankle! Not really my job.

Yours is.

Yeah, I need my hands and arms to be strong for my line of work. I know what you mean about the ankle. The one I sprained in the bike accident a few months ago still bugs me here and there.

MasonM

on Jul 08, 2006

#2 by pictoratus
Fri, July 07, 2006 7:25 PM

[pictoratus]
I can relate to that.

I developed tendonitis (currently called Carpal Tunnel) in my left wrist about 30 years ago due to intensive and extended guitar playing. Oh it went away, but since then anytime I really stress that wrist, it goes south periodically, including the ability to grip anything.

Needless to say, when it acts up I never pick up a hot cup of coffee with my left hand.

bummer

MasonM

on Jul 08, 2006

#3 by Feisty_in_ohio (Anonymous user)
Fri, July 07, 2006 7:26 PM

Sorry for your boo-boo.
Sprains are more annoying than a break. A fracture gets put in a cast and 6 to 8 weeks later you're on your way.
Darn sprains ache on & off for months.

From basic first aid for sprains (Red Cross & Girl Scouts)
RICE:
Rest the injured part.
Ice the injury.
Compress the injured area. (not too tight).
Elevate the injured part.

Well, I can't make any excuse such as ignorance. I used to be a Red Cross instructor.

Trudygolightly

on Jul 08, 2006

You've gotten some good solid advice here Mason and by getting that wrist support you've "saved the day" so to speak!

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