Wrist Sprain in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

A wrist sprain happens when one or more ligaments in your child's wrist stretch or tear. Ligaments are tough tissues that connect bones and keep them in place, and support your child's joints.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Return to the emergency department if:

Your child has severe pain or swelling.
Your child's injured wrist is red or has red streaks spreading from the injured area.
Your child has new trouble moving his or her hands, fingers, or wrist.
Your child's wrist, hand, or fingers feel cold or numb.

Call your child's doctor if:

Your child's symptoms get worse.
Your child's sprain does not get better within 2 weeks.
You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Medicines:

Your child may need any of the following:

NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Care for your child's wrist sprain:

Have your child rest his or her wrist for at least 48 hours. Your child should avoid activities that cause pain.
Apply ice on your child's wrist for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you put it on your child's wrist. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
Compress your child's wrist with an elastic bandage. This will help decrease swelling, support your child's wrist, and help it heal. Have your child wear his or her wrist wrap as directed. The elastic bandage should be snug but not tight.
Elevate your child's wrist above the level of his or her heart as often as possible. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your child's wrist on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.

Wrist support:

Your child may need to wear a splint or cast to support his or her wrist and prevent more damage. Have your child wear his or her splint as directed. Ask for instructions on how your child should bathe while wearing a splint or cast.

Physical therapy:

Your child's healthcare provider may recommend that your child go to physical therapy. A physical therapist teaches your child exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.

Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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