DRUJ sprain: symptoms, care, and recovery

The distal radioulnar joint, or DRUJ, helps the forearm turn so the palm faces up or down. A sprain may follow a fall onto the hand, a twist, a sports injury, or repeated force. Pain is often felt on the little-finger side of the wrist and may come with swelling, clicking, tenderness, reduced grip, or a feeling that the joint is unstable. A sprain can occur alongside a fracture or cartilage injury, so examination may be followed by imaging.

Recovery depends on the tissue injury and how well the joint is protected. A splint may limit painful rotation while tissues settle; later rehabilitation restores movement, strength, and confidence in loading.

Rest from painful gripping, lifting, and twisting, and support the wrist in the position advised by a clinician. Cold packs wrapped in cloth may help short-term swelling. Keep the fingers moving gently unless told otherwise, but do not force forearm rotation or test the joint repeatedly. A clinician or physiotherapist can progress exercises when pain and stability allow. Taping may provide additional support for selected activities, but it should not replace assessment when the wrist is unstable.

Arrange prompt assessment after a significant fall or twist, persistent wrist pain, marked swelling, a catching or clicking sensation, or difficulty rotating the forearm. Seek urgent care for deformity, numbness, a cold or pale hand, rapidly increasing swelling, or inability to move the fingers. Early review helps distinguish a ligament sprain from a fracture or more substantial joint injury.

Ask whether the DRUJ is stable, whether imaging is needed, how long support should be worn, which movements are safe, and when strengthening or return to sport can begin.