What is hand sprain?

A hand sprain occurs when a ligament gets stretched or torn in your child's hand. Ligaments are the tough tissues that connect one bone to another. Most hand sprains will heal with treatment at home.

• If the doctor gave your child a splint or immobilizer, have your child wear it as directed. This will help keep swelling down and help your child's hand heal.
• Help your child follow the doctor's directions for exercise and other activity.
• For the first 2 days after your child's injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, or hot packs.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your child's hand for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling. Try this every 1 to 2 hours for 3 days (when your child is awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice pack and your child's skin. Keep your child's splint dry.
• After 2 or 3 days, if the swelling is gone, put a warm cloth on your child's hand. Some experts suggest that you go back and forth between hot and cold treatments.
• Prop up your child's hand on a pillow when icing it or anytime your child sits or lies down. Have your child try to keep it above the level of the heart. This will help reduce swelling.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your child's doctor if you can give an over-the-counter medicine.
• Allow your child to return to their usual level of activity slowly.