Description

      Wrist sprain is caused by overstretching or tearing the ligaments in the wrist. Sprains involving more than one ligament cause more disability. The are three grades of sprains. In first degree sprains, the ligament is painful but not lengthened. With a second-degree sprains, the ligament is stretched or torn, but function remains intact. With a third-degree sprain, the ligament is completely torn (complete rupture) and does not function. Severe sprains may require surgery.

 Common Signs and Symptoms

• Severe pain

• Sensation of popping or tearing inside the wrist

• Tenderness and swelling in the wrist

• Some bruising
  

 Risk Increases With

• Previous injury
• Contact sports like football, boxing, or wrestling
• Inadequate or poorly fitting protective equipment

 Expected Outcome

      If this is a first-time injury, proper care and sufficient healing time before resuming activity should prevent permanent disability. Ligaments have poor blood supply and when torn require as much healing time as fractures. Average healing time for a first-degree sprain is 4 to 6 weeks, second-degree sprain is up to 8 weeks, and third-degree sprain is up to 12 weeks.

Complications

• Frequent recurrence of symptoms and repeated injury, resulting in a chronic problem; appropriately addressing the problem the first time decreases frequency of recurrence and optimizes healing time
• Chronically unstable or arthritic wrist joint with repeated sprains
• Wrist stiffness or weakness
  

Treatment

      Initial treatment consists of medication and ice to relieve the pain and compressive elastic bandaging and elevation to help reduce swelling and discomfort. A cast, splint, or brace may be recommended to provide support to the joint for varying times, depending on severity of injury. After immobilization, stretching and strengthening of the injured and weakened joint and surrounding muscles (due to the injury and the immobilization) are necessary. These may be done with or without the assistance of a physical therapist or athletic trainer. The need for surgical treatment is uncommon except in specific instances with a third-degree sprain.