After 48-72 hours

By this point your wrist may feel slightly better. It is now time to start moving the joint. Making gentle movements such as lifting your wrist up and down and moving it side to side can help work the surrounding muscles and tendons. Clenching to a fist and straightening out your fingers will also help.

Help with pain management

Simple painkillers can be used after injury, most of which can be bought over the counter in shops, supermarkets or pharmacy’s. Examples are:

• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen

You may have been prescribed an alternative painkiller, please refer to specific advice for that tablet if this is the case.

Recovery after a wrist injury

Most injuries take 2-3 weeks to recover but can sometimes take up to 6 weeks to be completely comfortable.

You may have been given a follow-up appointment with a physiotherapist. It is important that you keep your appointment to make sure your wrist recovers fully.

Further advice

If you have any ongoing concerns or queries about your wrist injury you should contact NHS 111 or your local GP.

If your concern is an emergency, attend your local Emergency Department.