How do i know if wrist is broken or sprained?

Both injuries can cause pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness and difficulty moving the wrist. A fracture may cause marked tenderness over a bone, a change in shape, or pain after a fall onto the hand, but a severe sprain can look similar. Numbness or tingling can signal pressure or injury around a nerve. Read more about [Wrist Pain](/symptoms/wrist-pain/) and [Hand Swelling](/symptoms/hand-swelling/).

A clinician checks the wrist, hand and fingers, then may request imaging to look for a break. A distal radius fracture is one possible broken-wrist injury; its care depends on alignment and stability.

Keep the wrist still in a comfortable position and remove rings before swelling increases. Use a wrapped cold pack for short periods, keep the hand raised, and avoid lifting or testing the joint. Do not try to straighten a visibly deformed wrist. Arrange medical assessment promptly, especially after a fall or direct blow.

Until assessed, a temporary support may reduce movement. If a fracture is confirmed, treatment can include [Fracture Casting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/fracture-casting/), [Closed Reduction](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/closed-reduction/) or [Fracture Fixation Surgery](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/fracture-fixation-surgery/) depending on the findings.

Seek urgent care for an open wound near the injury, a wrist that looks out of place, fingers that become pale or blue, worsening numbness, or an inability to move the fingers. Severe pain that is increasing despite rest also needs prompt assessment. These signs require attention because circulation, nerves or skin may be affected.

Ask whether imaging is needed, which finding suggests a fracture or ligament injury, how long the wrist should be supported, and which movements are safe while it heals. You can also ask when [Hand Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hand-therapy/) may help restore movement and grip.