How to care for a sprained wrist

A sprain is an injury to one or more wrist ligaments, the strong bands that help connect and stabilise the wrist bones. It may cause pain, swelling, bruising, reduced grip, and stiffness after a twist, fall, or sudden force. A sprain can resemble a fracture, so the way the injury happened and the exact tender area matter. Ongoing wrist pain is a reason to seek assessment rather than repeatedly testing the joint.

Rest from lifting, pushing, sports, and other actions that increase pain. Keep the hand raised when swelling is noticeable, and use a wrapped cold pack for short periods if it feels soothing. A removable support may protect the wrist during daily tasks; it should not be so tight that the fingers become pale, cold, numb, or more swollen. Once pain allows, move the fingers and wrist gently within a comfortable range. A clinician may recommend [Splinting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/splinting/) or [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) to restore motion, grip, and control.

Seek prompt assessment after a fall or forceful twist if pain is severe, the wrist looks crooked, swelling rises quickly, or you cannot use the hand. Get urgent help for numbness, blue or cold fingers, an open wound, or loss of finger movement. Arrange a review if pain, swelling, or stiffness is not steadily improving, because a ligament injury and a small fracture can need different support.

Ask whether imaging is needed, which wrist movements to avoid, and how long to use a support. Discuss when gentle exercises should begin and which signs mean the support is too tight or the injury needs reassessment.