Understanding a Wrist Sprain

A ligament is a strong band of tissue that connects bone to bone. The wrist has many ligaments. If any of these get stretched or torn, this is called a wrist sprain. A wrist sprain can be painful. It can also limit movement and use of the wrist and hand. Depending on the severity of the sprain, it may take a few weeks or longer for the wrist to heal.

Causes of a wrist sprain

Wrist sprains are most often caused by falling and landing on an outstretched hand. Anyone can get a wrist sprain. But the injury may be more likely in people who are very active or play sports.

Symptoms of a wrist sprain

At the time of injury, you may feel a popping or tearing in the wrist. You may have pain, redness, and swelling. You may also have some bruising. In some cases, symptoms may spread from the wrist to the hand. Until the wrist has healed, it may be hard to move or use the wrist and hand for normal tasks and activities, especially gripping and lifting.

Treating a wrist sprain

Treatment for wrist sprains may include any of the following:

• Prescription or over-the-counter medicines. These help reduce pain and swelling. You may take these medicines as pills. Or you may apply them to the skin as a gel, cream, or patch. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common medicines used.

• A splint, brace, or cast. This is worn to support the wrist and keep the wrist from moving. You may need it for several weeks or longer, until the wrist heals.

• Physical therapy and exercises. These help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the wrist and hand.

• Surgery. You may need surgery if the sprain is severe. For example, surgery may be needed if the ligament is torn or if nearby tissues and bone are also injured. After surgery, you will often need to wear a splint or cast for a month or longer, until the wrist has healed.

Self-care measures

You can do several things to help relieve pain and swelling. These may include:

• Limiting how much you move and use your wrist and hand

• Applying an ice pack to the injured area. Wrap the ice pack in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin.

• Keeping your wrist and hand raised (elevated) above heart level

• Wrapping your wrist in an elastic bandage

Possible complications

If the injury doesn’t heal properly, it has a higher chance of happening again. The injury can also become long-term (chronic). This can cause ongoing pain, weakness, or instability of the wrist. Over time, arthritis may develop in the wrist. This can worsen pain and cause stiffness and limited movement of the wrist and hand.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• Chills

• Symptoms that don’t get better with treatment, or get worse

• Hand or fingers that feel numb or very cold, turn blue or gray, or swell

• Symptoms, such as redness, warmth, swelling, bleeding, or drainage that occur at the incision sites. This only applies if you had surgery.

• New symptoms