Cause Signs And Symptoms
Most often wrist sprains are caused by a fall on an outstretched arm. The wrist is forced back into hyperextension, stretching or tearing the soft tissue in the area including the ligaments. The ligaments of the wrist are responsible for maintaining a stabile hand position and help allow for controlled motions of the wrist and hand.
The most common signs and symptoms of a wrist sprain are pain or tenderness around the wrist, swelling, bruising and weakness. Sometimes, burning/tingling into the hand or a popping sensation in the wrist may occur.
How Bad Is My Wrist Sprain
Wrist sprains can vary in severity depending on how bad they are.
- A mild or grade 1 wrist sprain may involve the ligament being stretched.
- Moderate or grade 2 injuries are partial tears of a ligament.
- Severe grade 3 injuries are full ruptures of one or more ligaments. Grade 3 injuries may also involve an avulsion fracture where a fragment of bone is pulled off with the ligament.
What Is The Best Thing To Do For A Sprained Wrist
May 7, 2021
Accidentally twisting and getting a sprained wrist is pretty common. Dealing with a sprained wrist or any sprain is troublesome and painful. While it might heal on its own if you leave it alone, its better to be safe and see a doctor to assess the injury.
If you have a sprained wrist, read on to know what you should do to treat it.
Don’t Miss: My Knee Hurts When I Bend It Backwards
Check If You Have A Sprain Or Strain
It’s likely to be a sprain or strain if:
- you have pain, tenderness or weakness often around your ankle, foot, wrist, thumb, knee, leg or back
- the injured area is swollen or bruised
- you cannot put weight on the injury or use it normally
- you have muscle spasms or cramping where your muscles painfully tighten on their own
| Sprains | |
|---|---|
| Torn or twisted ligament | Overstretched or torn muscle |
| Most common in: wrists, ankles, thumbs, knees | Most common in: knees, feet, legs, back |
When To See A Doctor
When in doubt, it is a good idea to see an orthopedic doctor for your wrist pain. They can help you determine the severity of your sprain and whether or not it will require treatment to heal. A sprain may very well heal on its own, but even minor injuries can result in a torn ligament. These do not heal on their own but require surgery to avoid long-term problems. Also, what may seem like a sprain may actually be a fracture. If these fractures go untreated, they can result in improper healing that requires surgery down the road. If you are experiencing the signs of a sprained wrist, visit the Express Care Clinic at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. Our specialists will assess your injury and create an effective treatment plan.
Read Also: Pain At Tip Of Elbow
Hand Elbow Or Wrist Sprain Or Strain Treatment
Hand, elbow, or wrist strains and sprains can generally be treated with nonsurgical treatments. Many people experience symptom relief within days with rest and medication. If your pain is affecting your ability to perform your daily activities, your doctor may recommend a nonsurgical treatment such as:
- Staying off the affected foot and pausing strenuous exercise is imperative during rehabilitation.
- Heat and ice. Alternating ice and heat can help relieve pain and make movement easier.
- A cast or splint to immobilize the foot and ankle
- Physical therapy. Physical therapy is key, first to reduce pain and swelling and then to increase strength and stability and improve range of motion.
- Keep your ankle and foot elevated with a pillow when youre sitting or lying.
- OTC medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can relieve pain caused by hand, elbow, or wrist strains or sprains.
For some hand, elbow or wrist sprains or strains, surgery may be recommended to repair a torn ligament or tendon.
What Causes Wrist Sprain
Athletes are particularly prone to Wrist Sprain. Gymnastics, skiing, football, and figure skating are just a few of the sports in which this type of injury is common. Wrist Sprains are most frequently caused by a fall on an outstretched hand. This type of fall is also common in icy weather. Additionally, any activity that results in a sudden, forceful impact on the wrist can place undue stress on the ligaments leading to over-stretching and potentially tearing.
Recommended Reading: Why Does My Wrist Hurt When I Bend It
Causes And Risk Factors Of Sprained Wrist Or Thumb
Wrist and thumb sprains most often occur after falling onto an outstretched hand. This may take place during sports and recreational activities or simply when trying to break a fall.
Sprained thumbs are also common in skiers and in athletes who participate in sports that involve catching and throwing a ball.
Who Gets A Sprained Wrist
A sprained wrist is common in athletes competing in sports in which diving, sliding, and falling are a natural part of the sport .
Gymnasts tend to have a significant number of wrist injuries because of the type of skills performed and the equipment utilized in the sport. Because gymnasts spend a lot of time upside down and on their hands, the wrist has a tremendous amount of force being transferred from the forearm through the wrist and into the hand.
Closely linked to gymnasts are competitive cheerleaders. Wrist injuries are common in competitive cheer because of the advanced stunts in which bases throw flyers into the air and then catch them after the flyer performs a stunt. Injuries can occur to the flyers if they are dropped from a significant height onto the ground or to the bases if they do not use proper technique when catching a flyer.
Specific equipment used in the sport of gymnastics also lends to wrist injuries. For example, wrist injuries can occur from stunts performed on the vault because of the amount of energy and force transferred from the sprint lead-up to the springboard and onto the vault. The pommel horse is another example of an apparatus that is linked with a high number of wrist injuries.
Also Check: Why Is My Shoulder Hurting
How Do You Know If You Have A Sprained Wrist
There are a few ways to tell if you have a sprained wrist. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the most common symptoms. If you cant move your wrist or hand easily, or if you experience any tingling or numbness, you will likely have a sprain.
Sprains come in grades or different degrees of severity. A mild sprain is when the ligament is only stretched. A moderate sprain is when there is a combination of tearing a stretching, and a severe sprain is when the ligament is completely torn.
What Does A Wrist Sprain Feel Like
Let me tell you acouple of symptoms of a sprained wrist.
- Care and warmth around the injury
- Feeling a popping or shredding in the wrist
Whether it is a wristsprain or a fracture, consult your doctor for a thorough physical examination.You might also need an:
- Arthrogram, a special kind of x-ray or MRIrecommended after a dye is injected into the wrist
- Arthroscopy, a plainly invasive surgery in which atiny camera is inserted into the wrist
Recommended Reading: Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club
Treatments For A Sprained Wrist
Most wrist injuries occur as a result of overuse, not due to trauma to the joint. This correlates to the fact that wrist injuries are one of the most common types of work-related injuries, second only to injuries to the back. Though wrist sprains are a common work injury, they can also be sports-related.
If youve sustained a sprained wrist, it can be very painful. Symptoms of a fractured wrist are similar to those of a sprained wrist, though the treatments are different so professional diagnosis is important so that the injury doesnt cause permanent damage.
A sprain is when there is a stretch or a tear in a ligament, which is a strong and thick band of tissue that connects two bones together. Treatment depends on whether the sprain is a stretched ligament, a partially torn ligament, or a fully torn ligament.
What Causes A Wrist/hand Sprain
- A wrist/hand sprain may occur from a direct blow to the area.
- Falling on an outstretched arm/hand or contact that causes the wrist to forcefully move in one direction.
- It can also occur from movement involving an abrupt twist or hyperextension.
Not ready to request an appointment?
Our team will be happy to connect you with a Nationwide Children’s expert.
Read Also: Tendons Of The Wrist And Forearm
Wrist Sprain Fact Sheet
| What is the difference between a sprain and a strain? | Sprains are specifically injuries that involve the ligaments, or connections between bones, and so can only occur at joints, where strains are injuries involving muscle and tendon attachments, and so have a much wider area of occurrence. Sprains are much more sereious than strains, but neither have the apocalyptic effect of a break. |
| What kinds of tests can be used to see if I have a sprained wrist? | Usually, a sprain can be diagnosed after a thorough history and pysical examination, but sometimes a docotr might order x-rays to determine if there is also any bone involvement. If no fracture is detected then a sprain or straing in indicated. MRI can be effective at discovering tissue ruptures that do not show up on physical palpation. |
| Do I need a cast for a sprained wrist? | Depending on the severity of the injury, a splint or cast my abe usefuland recommended as a way to immobilize the wrist and make sure that the ligaments heal in the proper order. |
| How painful is a wrist sprain? | It is hard to answer this questions, because sprains can vary hugely in intensity and severity. The lightest sprains might cause no more than a few hours discomfort before you can return to your normal activities, while more seerious sprains can require pain relieving medications and render your wrist completely useless until the injury is dealt with. |
Conservative Treatment Of A Wrist Sprain
Offer in therapy we are asked how to treat a sprained wrist. Wrist sprains, grade I and II, can be treated conservatively with rest. This means trying not to use the affected extremity for 48 hours. Icing the injured extremity for up to 20 minutes every2-4 hours for a couple of days helps with both pain and swelling. Elevating the extremity above the heart also helps to manage the swelling. Anti-inflammatories are helpful for pain management. A splint or a compression bandage can provide extra stability for the joint while recovering from the injury.
Once these symptoms have subsided a gentle progressive strengthening/stretching program may be initiated. If these symptoms persist, further diagnostic testing may be warranted. JOI has several wrist and hand orthopedic doctors who can help you get back on the road to recovery.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Shoulder Knots
Symptoms Of A Wrist Sprain
Symptoms might include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, and deformity of the wrist. A sprained wrist may also make it difficult or impossible to move the wrist.
Even a mild wrist sprain could have torn or stretched ligaments. A more severe sprain might even involve a broken bone and an aid might be necessary.
If you have any of these symptoms and think you might have a sprained wrist, its essential to seek medical advice. Depending on the severity of your sprain, you might need X-rays or other imaging tests to rule out a fracture.
How Long Does A Sprained Wrist Take To Heal
A mild wrist sprain will start feeling better 24 to 48 hours after you start treatment. It will fully heal in 1 or 2 weeks.
If you have a moderate or severe injury, recovery might last 6 to 8 weeks. Youll need to wear splint for most of this time.
In a severe sprain, your ligament will heal in 8 to 12 weeks. A full recovery may take 6 to 12 months, especially if you need surgery.
Its not always possible to avoid accidents, but you can reduce your risk of slips and falls.
Follow these tips to prevent wrist sprains:
- Use caution when walking in rain or icy weather.
- Wear wrist guards during activities like basketball, skiing, and skateboarding. If you fall, the wrist guard will stop your wrist from extreme motions.
- Wear shoes that properly fit to minimize the risk of falls.
- Lift heavy objects with both hands to reduce the pressure on each wrist.
Don’t Miss: Elbow Pain From Computer Use
Key Points About Hand Elbow Or Wrist Sprain Or Strain
- Hand, elbow, and wrist sprain and strains are common injuries with similar symptoms.
- Anyone can sprain or strain their hands, wrists, or elbows.
- Hand, elbow, and wrist sprains are when a ligament is torn. Hand, elbow, and wrist strains are when a tendon is strained or stretched.
- Hand, elbow, and wrist sprain and strains are often caused by overuse, activities requiring repetitive motions, and trauma.
- Most hand, elbow, and wrist sprains and strains will heal quickly with proper treatment.
What Should You Do Right After You Get A Sprained Wrist
If you think you have a wrist sprain, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
A physician will be able to properly diagnose the injury and recommend the best course of action to treat the wrist.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help manage the pain and or swelling.
- Rest your wrist. Avoid any activities that require the use of the injured wrist.
- Apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes, several times a day.
- Wrap your wrist in an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
If you are experiencing severe pain, numbness, or tingling in your wrist, or if you cannot move your wrist or fingers, it is vital to see a doctor right away as these may be signs of a more severe injury.
Treatment for a sprained wrist may include immobilization in a splint or cast, physical therapy, and surgery.
Depending on the severity of the sprained wrist, it may take several weeks or months for the wrist to heal completely.
Don’t Miss: Elbow Pain When Lifting Weights
Hand Elbow Or Wrist Sprain Or Strain Diagnosis
Your doctor can diagnose a hand, elbow, or wrist strain or sprain. During a clinic visit, your doctor will perform a physical exam and take a full medical history. Your doctor may try to rule our breaks or fractures. In some cases, your doctor will order imaging tests such as:
These tests may be able to determine what is causing your pain.
When Can I Return To Play
The athlete can return to sports when he/she has been released by a sports medicine professional and when the athlete has cleared the following return-to-sports criteria:
Pain free full range of motion of the wrist Pain free full strength equal to the uninjured wrist Completion of sport-specific functional training Protective wrist taping if appropriate
Don’t Miss: Counterforce Brace For Tennis Elbow
How Is Wrist Sprain Diagnosed
A complete medical history and a review of occupational and recreational hazards is the first step in the diagnosis. The physician will perform a thorough physical examination of the affected wrist, hand, and arm. Imaging studies such as x-rays, CT, and/or MRI will be ordered to determine the location and severity of the injury. X-rays will reveal whether or not there are any associated fractures. MRI, CT, and Arthrogram allow the physician to visualize the ligament and the full extent of the damage.
Dont Underestimate Your Injury
In most cases, a sprained wrist will heal on its own and you can treat it at home. However, if you choose not to seek a diagnosis from a doctor, its important not to underestimate the seriousness of your injury. What feels like a sprained wrist could actually be a bone fracture or a torn ligament, both of which should be treated by a medical professional. Even if it is just a sprain, its important to allow it to properly heal before resuming normal activity. If you dont, you may prolong the discomfort and possibly worsen the injury.
What you should do instead: Seek medical advice if your injury hasnt started healing after a couple of days.
You May Like: Lump Near Shoulder Blade On Back
How To Heal A Sprained Wrist Fast
Dealing with a sprained wrist can be quite the painful and uncomfortable experience. You may be an active person who likes to play sports, or someone who has a busy work life and cant afford to take that much time off from your job. If youre reading this article, then theres a good chance that you or someone you know are looking to heal a sprained wrist fast.
Theres a lot of conjecture and speculation out there regarding the healing process and timeline for a sprained wrist, which can make it difficult to know what is and isnt helpful information. In this article, we are going to provide some general tips you can follow to help understand how long it will take to heal a sprained wrist as quickly as possible.
Before we begin, one thing we would like to point out is that the exact timeline for injury recovery, as well as the treatment involved, will depend on the nature of your specific injury. For this reason, we always recommend visiting a physician or physiotherapist to discuss your particular injury, and what ways may be best to facilitate a speedy recovery. In the mean time, here is some general information.
Contents