Wrist Sprains

What is a Wrist Sprain?

A wrist sprain is a partial injury to one or more ligaments—the tough tissues that connect bones in the wrist. Sprains can range from a mild stretch to a partial tear of the ligament. Severe sprains may involve tiny pieces of bone being pulled off, known as an avulsion fracture.

There are many ligaments in the wrist that can be affected. Two of the most commonly involved include:

• Scapholunate ligament: Located between the scaphoid and lunate bones in the center of the wrist

• TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex): Found on the outer side of the wrist

Causes

Wrist sprains are typically caused by:

• Falling onto an outstretched hand

• Twisting injuries or forceful bending of the wrist

• Trauma that forces the wrist backward or into an abnormal position

Signs & Symptoms

Common symptoms of a wrist sprain include:

• Pain, especially with movement

• Swelling that may develop immediately or over several days

• Bruising or discoloration

• Tenderness in specific parts of the wrist

• Decreased range of motion

Symptoms may last from a few days to up to 6 weeks, depending on severity.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a wrist sprain, a doctor will:

• Perform a physical examination to assess pain location and wrist movement

• Order X-rays to rule out fractures or joint dislocation

• In persistent or unclear cases, order advanced imaging such as MRI or ultrasound to evaluate soft tissue injuries

The primary goal is to confirm that no bones are broken and no full ligament tears have occurred.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment

Most wrist sprains are successfully treated without surgery. Initial treatment may include:

• Resting the wrist and limiting activity

• Applying ice to reduce swelling

• Wearing a splint or compression wrap for support

• Using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications if needed

Symptoms typically improve within a few days to 6 weeks, though more serious sprains may take longer.

If pain or dysfunction persists beyond this period, further evaluation may be needed to rule out more serious injuries.

Associated Injuries

• Avulsion fracture: A small piece of bone may be pulled off where a ligament attaches. These are common in more severe sprains but often heal without surgery.

Prognosis

The outlook for a wrist sprain is generally excellent. With proper care, most people recover fully with minimal or no long-term issues. Healing time varies, but complete recovery is expected in most cases.