What should you know about a fractured or sprained wrist?

A fracture is a crack or break in bone. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that connect and steady the wrist bones. Both can follow a fall, twist or impact and may cause bruising, tenderness, swelling and limited movement. Pain over a specific bone, deformity or inability to use the hand raises concern for fracture, but symptoms overlap and are not a reliable home test. Wrist Pain can continue with either injury.

Remove rings before swelling increases. Rest the wrist, support it in a comfortable position, and use a wrapped cold pack for short periods. Keep the hand raised and avoid lifting or repeated gripping. A temporary Splinting approach may protect the area until assessment. Do not force movement or try to push a visible deformity back into place. After the diagnosis, Physiotherapy may help restore movement and strength when advised.

Arrange prompt assessment after a significant injury, marked tenderness, reduced movement or persistent swelling. Seek urgent care for an open wound, obvious deformity, worsening severe pain, or fingers that are numb, cold, pale or blue. Return for review if pain does not settle as expected, because a small fracture or ligament injury can need different treatment.

Ask whether imaging is needed, which structure appears injured, what support to use, and which activities are restricted. Ask when wrist movement should begin and what symptoms would mean the diagnosis or treatment needs reassessment.