Wrist Sprain

A Wrist Sprain is stretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the wrist. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other.

The most common cause of Wrist Sprain is falling on an outstretched hand.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease condition or injury.

• Playing sports
• Poor coordination
• Poor balance
• Inadequate flexibility and strength in muscles and ligaments
• Loose joints
• Not wearing wrist guards during activities such as in-line skating

Symptoms include:

• Pain, tenderness and swelling around the wrist
• Redness, warmth or bruising around the wrist
• Limited ability to move the wrist

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your wrist. The doctor will examine your wrist to assess the stability of the joint and the severity of the injury.
Tests may include:

• X-rays – to make sure that no bones are broken (Fractures of the small wrist bones can be confused with sprains.)
• MRI scan – to see if a ligament has torn completely (rarely needed)

Wrist sprains are graded according to their severity: Grade1

• Stretching and microtearing of ligament tissue

Grade 2

• Partial tearing of ligament tissue
• Mild instability of the joint

Grade 3

• Severe or complete tearing of ligament tissue
• Significant instability of the joint

Treatment includes:
Rest – Avoid using your injured wrist and hand.
Ice – Apply ice or a cold pack to the wrist for 15-20 minutes, 4 times a day for several days. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
Compression – Wrap your wrist in an elastic compression bandage (i.e., Ace bandage). This will limit swelling and support your wrist.
Elevation – Keep the injured wrist raised above the level of your heart for 48 hours (such as up on a pillow). This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.
Medication – Take one of the following drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain:

• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Aspirin

Brace – You may need to wear a brace to immobilize your wrist. If you play sports, you may need to wear a wrist brace or tape your wrist when you return to play.
Cast – If you have a severe sprain, your doctor may recommend a cast for 2-3 weeks.
Rehabilitation Exercises – Begin exercises to restore flexibility, range of motion, and strength in your wrist as recommended by your health care professional.
Surgery – Surgery is rarely needed to repair a wrist sprain. However, surgery may be needed to repair a ligament that is torn completely, or if there is an associated fracture.

Wrist Sprains usually occur from accidents that cannot be prevented. However, wearing protective wrist guards when in-line skating will help prevent wrist sprains caused by falling while skating.