Wrist Sprain

Violent overstretching of one or more ligaments in the wrist joint. Sprains involving two or more ligaments cause considerably more disability than single-ligament sprains. When the ligament is overstretched, it becomes tense and gives way at its weakest point, either where it attaches to bone or within the ligament itself. If the ligament pulls loose a fragment of bone, it is called a sprain-fracture. There are 3 types of sprains:

• Mild (Grade I) - Tearing of some ligament fibers. There is no loss of function.
• Moderate (Grade II) - Rupture of a portion of the ligament, resulting in some loss of function.
• Severe (Grade-III) - Complete rupture of the ligament or complete separation of ligament from bone. There is total loss of function. A severe sprain requires surgical repair.

Body Parts Involved

• Ligaments of the wrist.
• Tissue surrounding the sprain, including blood vessels, tendons, bone, periosteum (covering of bone) and muscles.

Causes

Stress on a ligament that temporarily forces or pries the wrist joint out of its normal location.

Wrist sprains are common injuries, especially in certain groups of people Wrist sprains tend to occur after falls. In icy weather, wrist sprains are common as people fall to the sidewalk after slipping. Sporting activities are also common causes of wrist sprains. Sports in which wrist sprains commonly occur include football, basketball, skiing, snowboarding, rollerblading, and many other sports.

Signs & Symptoms

• Severe pain at the time of injury.
• A feeling of popping or tearing inside the wrist.
• Tenderness at the injury site.
• Swelling in the wrist.
• Bruising or discoloration of the skin.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

Use instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Continuing Care

If the doctor does not apply a cast, tape or elastic bandage:

• Continue using an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day. Place ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag. Wrap the bag in a moist towel, and place it over the injured area. Use for 20 minutes at a time.
• Wrap the wrist with an elasticized bandage between ice treatments.
• After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments or ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Medication

• For minor discomfort, you may use:

Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Topical liniments and ointments.

• Your doctor may prescribe:

Stronger pain relievers.

Injection of a long-acting local anesthetic to reduce pain.

Injection of a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone, to reduce inflammation.

Home Diet

During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the wrist and hand to rule out fractures.

Prevention Tips

• Build your strength with a conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before practice or competition.
• To prevent re-injury, tape vulnerable joints before practice or competition.