Broken or sprained wrist: what you need to know

Until it is assessed, support the wrist, remove rings or a watch before swelling increases, keep the hand raised, and avoid lifting or leaning on it. Do not try to straighten a wrist that looks out of shape.

A sprain stretches or tears ligaments that stabilize the wrist; a fracture is a break in one or more bones. Both can cause pain, bruising, swelling, tenderness and reduced movement. Being able to move the wrist does not rule out a fracture, and severe pain alone cannot identify which injury is present.

A clinician checks where the wrist is tender, its shape, movement, circulation and sensation. An X-ray can identify many fractures, although a suspected hidden fracture may need repeat or different imaging.

Rest the wrist and protect it with a comfortable support while arranging assessment, especially after a fall, direct blow or twisting injury. A wrapped cold pack can be placed over the sore area for short periods; keep ice away from bare skin. If using a bandage, loosen it if fingers become numb, cold, pale, blue or more painful.

Treatment depends on the injured structure and whether a fracture has shifted. It may include a removable support, a splint or cast, follow-up imaging, guided exercises, or an operation for an unstable injury. Resume gripping, sport and weight-bearing only as advised.

Seek urgent medical care for an obvious change in shape, an open wound over the injury, bone visible through the skin, uncontrollable bleeding, or fingers that are cold, pale or blue. New numbness, marked weakness, inability to move the fingers, or rapidly increasing pain or swelling also needs prompt attention.

Arrange an assessment if pain is focused over a bone, the wrist cannot be used normally, or symptoms do not settle after initial protection. A delayed diagnosis can allow an unstable injury to move or heal poorly.

Ask which bone or ligament appears injured, whether more imaging is needed, how long the support should stay on, and what finger, elbow or shoulder movements are safe. Also confirm how to manage swelling, when driving and work are appropriate, and which changes should bring you back sooner.