As a trucker, you may not face the same workplace hazards as a construction worker, but you still work in an industry where you could sustain an injury. You sprained your hand recently unloading a truck, and you want to recover as quickly as possible.
Mayo Clinic offers treatment tips for sprains. While evaluating your injury’s severity and determining if you have a workplace injury case, learn how to take care of yourself.
R.I.C.E
Immediately after noticing your sprain, rest the injured body part. If you notice certain activities cause pain, discomfort or inflammation, refrain from them. You need not avoid all physical activity while resting your sprain.
Submerge your sprained body part in an ice bath, or apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours. Repeat this for the first few days after noticing your injury.
Wrap your sprained body part in a compression bandage to address swelling. Wrap the bandage loosely, so you do not restrict blood flow. If you experience pain, more inflammation or numbness, loosen the bandage.
Use gravity to your advantage by keeping your sprained body part elevated above your heart. This helps reduce inflammation.
Additional treatment options
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and similar over-the-counter medications may help treat your injury. Ease back into using the strained body part a couple of days after you notice the injury. It may take several days or months to recover from a sprain.
As an injured trucker, you have right to protect yourself. Your employer could bear liability for preventing and treating your sprain and other workplace injuries you sustain.