What should you know about a fractured vs sprained wrist?

A fracture is a break in one of the wrist bones. A sprain stretches or tears a ligament, the tough tissue that helps control movement between bones. A fall or twist can cause either problem. Bruising, swelling, tenderness and difficulty turning or gripping the hand do not identify the injury by themselves. Tenderness directly over a bone, an unusual shape or major loss of function makes a fracture more concerning, but only a clinician can interpret the full pattern. Wrist Pain is a symptom shared by both.

Stop the activity and remove rings or tight jewellery. Support the wrist, keep it raised, and apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth for brief periods. Avoid massage, forceful stretching and lifting. A Splinting option may keep the wrist protected while you arrange care. Once the injury is understood, Physiotherapy can guide gradual mobility and strengthening when appropriate, rather than pushing through pain.

Get prompt medical assessment after a fall or impact with focal tenderness, swelling or reduced use. Seek urgent care if the wrist is visibly deformed, the skin is open, pain is severe or increasing, or fingers become numb, cold, pale or blue. Arrange reassessment when symptoms persist or function fails to improve, even if the first examination was reassuring.

Ask which findings point toward bone or ligament injury, whether imaging or repeat imaging is needed, and how long to use support. Ask when driving, work, sport and wrist exercises can safely resume.