What should you know about grades of wrist sprains?

A mild sprain involves stretched fibres and tenderness but the ligament may still support the joint. A moderate sprain involves a partial tear, with more swelling, bruising, weakness or pain during gripping. A severe sprain may involve a complete tear or major instability. Symptoms alone cannot reliably separate a sprain from a fracture or another wrist injury. Persistent [Wrist Pain](/symptoms/wrist-pain/) after a fall deserves examination, especially if the wrist is difficult to move or grip.

Protect the wrist from lifting and twisting that increase pain. Elevation and a wrapped cold pack may help early swelling. A clinician may recommend a removable support or [Splinting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/splinting/) while the ligament settles. Once serious injury is excluded, controlled movement and progressive strengthening can restore function; [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) may help when stiffness, weakness or confidence with use persists. Do not force painful range of motion.

Seek prompt assessment after a significant fall, a visible deformity, severe swelling, inability to use the hand, or pain directly over a bone. Urgent care is needed for numbness, blue or unusually cold fingers, or fingers that cannot move normally. Review is also sensible when pain or instability continues despite protection.

Could this be a fracture or cartilage injury? Does my wrist need imaging or a splint? When should I begin movement and strengthening? What activities are safe while the ligament heals?