Is ice a good choice for treating a sprained wrist?

Ice is used on a sprained wrist to reduce swelling and pain, according to WebMD. It is helpful to apply ice to the wrist for 20 to 30 minutes every three to four hours while pain is still present.

Resting the injured wrist and compressing it with a bandage are also effective treatments. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen reduces pain and swelling, advises WebMD. Elevating the wrist above the heart as often as possible also reduces swelling by slowing blood flow to the area. It is possible to use a cast or splint temporarily to keep the wrist immobile in order to avoid further strain.