And I have no idea why it took me so long to figure out that this is what my wrist needed!

I put heat on something I should have but ice on ....is there a rule of thumb for what gets what ?

I would suggest you do what feels good, and brings the best results...

Heat loosens things up, increases blood flow and like that.

Cold reduces inflammation.

Google is most likely your friend for information!

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"](1) Ice immediately after an injury, because it slows swelling and bruising (which is just bleeding under the skin), and reduces pain and inflammation.

(2) Heat after a couple of hours, because it increases blood flow to the injured area and helps relieve stiffness.

I've also heard that alternating ice and heat every half hour or so is helpful for pain and stiffness.

I hope your wrist feels all better soon.

I don't think there is exact science on this, especially considering type of injury along with individual metabolisms.

Don't overdue the heat or the cold. Elevate above heart level. If nothing else it keeps your mind busy and off the pain.

Heat expands things, cold shrinks (honest, that's what I tell people at the pool *rimshot*)

the weight and heat of a cloth tube of rice heated in the microwave feels very soothing.
You could put rice in a tightly knit old sock and tie it with string, then cover it with another sock to insulate it a bit, if you don't want to sew or buy one.

keep the tissues fluid (for lack of a better word).

Nothing I can do about it, except walk around as usual. This is the third time in a decade that I've broken a toe. (I tend to drop heavy things on them).

I've done in toes a couple of times, and the doctor has given me non-irritating tape to tape it to the adjoining toe (not too tight, and change at least once a day, probably after a bath/shower when it's wet anyway.)

I've been told to use cold stuff, and maybe that's okay to initially calm swelling, but heat has always been much better longer term.

swollen tissues and structures from rubbing against each other and further aggravating the injury. A bag of frozen peas is easy to form to the wrist.

After that, heat.