Narcotic Versus Non-narcotic Medication for Pain Management After Wrist/Hand Fractures

Inclusion Criteria: * All patients 18 and older undergoing non-operative management of a hand or wrist fracture will be considered eligible. * Able to read and speak English Exclusion Criteria: * pain exceeding 7/10 on numeric rating scale or 35/50 on PRWE pain scale at enrollment * nerve injury * surgeon decision that surgery is required * history of chronic opioid use * documented or suspected substance abuse * individuals currently on daily use of ibuprofen, acetaminophen or other pain-altering medication including medications like Neurontin (gabapentin) and Ultram (tramadol) * individuals with documented or suspected chronic pain syndrome, reported allergy or adverse reaction to hydrocodone, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen * history or symptoms of serious medical problem in the last year (i.e., arrhythmia, impaired cardiovascular function, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver disease, renal disease) * patients with active peptic ulcer disease (history of severe heartburn) * symptoms of infection * pregnant or lactating women * diagnosis of cognitive impairment * unable to provide informed consent * unable or unwilling to fill out the forms * prior fracture in same hand * on Coumadin or Plavix * other medical or psychological health conditions that preclude them from receiving either intervention * or unable to return for follow-up visits