Wrist sprain

A wrist sprain is a common injury. A sprain occurs when the ligaments (band of tissue that connects two bones) of the wrist are stretched or torn. Sprains are commonly graded by severity and range from Grade I (mild) to Grade III (severe). Most mild sprains heal on their own with just rest. Severe injuries may need immobilization and/or surgical repair.

Description

A wrist sprain is a common injury. A sprain occurs when the ligaments (band of tissue that connects two bones) of the wrist are stretched or torn. Sprains are commonly graded by severity and range from Grade I (mild) to Grade III (severe). Most mild sprains heal on their own with just rest. Severe injuries may need immobilization and/or surgical repair.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and decreased motion.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An x-ray may be helpful to rule out a fracture. For severe sprains with persistent symptoms, an MRI can identify the torn ligament and assess the extent of damage.

Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Sports Medicine, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery

Treatment

Most mild sprains heal on their own with just rest. Treatment includes: immobilization, ice, elevation and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Physical therapy and therapeutic ultrasound may be helpful. For severe sprains that do not improve with other treatments, more prolonged immobilization and/or surgery may be required.