Athletes, busy parents, and individuals who are active in general are frequently tempted to "shake it off" or "tough it out," but this is not a good idea if you want your wrist to recover as fast as possible. Continuing to use your damaged wrist may prolong your injury and cause further pain and suffering. It is very important not to force yourself to play through the pain because this could lead to further injury. If you do experience pain when you put pressure on your wrist then stop playing right away so that you do not cause yourself more harm. An athlete who suffers from a sprain will often be told by doctors to rest his/her hand for a few days until the pain disappears. During this time of rest, the wrist should be kept in its extended position (straight) to allow it to heal properly. When feeling better, the athlete should start using their hand again but at first, they should avoid any activity that might cause them pain. For example, someone who has suffered a sprain while playing soccer would not be able to return to practice or a game right away since any movement could cause further damage. After one's wrist has healed, it is important to be careful not to re-injure it. If you have had surgery on your hand, you should ask your doctor about how soon you can begin exercising again.