thrown over the shoulder and then some~!

[pepto_bismol]

I was sparing and I fell for a shoulderthrow. Long story short I broke my fall wrong and fractured my left hand. At least I think it's a fracture. I have no idea. At first the doctor said sprain. Then they called back after reviewing x-rays and said fracture. I guess I need to go back over there for some kind of evaluation but what I need to know is.

1.If it is a fracture/sprain is it a good idea to attend classes (including wrestling)

2. If it's a fracture/sprain how long is the MINIMUM I need to rest it

3. any tips on healing it?

4. any way I could identify whether it is a fracture or a sprain?

[MizuRyu]

hmm.. I have answers to a few of those. The minimum time you should rest it depends on whether it is a fracture or sprain, your body type, the severity, the individual bone/series of connective tissues... etc. So it's impossible to tell unless evaluated by a doctor. I fractured my ulna when I was in 8th grade, so I have experience with broken bones, and I would more than definatly tell you DO NOT go to class, especially with ground work, because that could turn a lovely hairline into a compound if pushed and pulled correctly. Identifying isn't easy either... I'd squeeze it and see what it feels like... if the bone is fractured or broken.. you should definatly know right away.. a sprain doesn't feel the same. As for healing it, depends on what it is, but the best thing you can do is just not move it for as long as possible, until it feels right.. if it's a severe sprain, it may need a brace or something, if it's minor, just rest it a lot, ice and aspirin are good. If it's a broken bone, you need medical attention, it isn't a want. You can heal fractures on your own, but they can heal funky and lead to big problems later on in life. These are just general suggestions and observations and do NOT replace anything a doctor tells you, so I'd just wait it out for his advice.