What should you know about mild sprain wrist?

A sprain is an overstretch or small injury to a ligament, the strong tissue connecting wrist bones. Pain, tenderness, mild swelling, bruising, and reduced grip can follow a fall onto the hand or a twist. A mild injury does not rule out a fracture, especially when pain is sharply localised or movement is very limited.

For the first day or two, reduce lifting and activities that reproduce pain. Keep the wrist supported in a comfortable neutral position; a clinician or pharmacist can help you choose a suitable splint. Cold wrapped in cloth may ease swelling. Move the fingers and gently move the wrist within a comfortable range several times through the day, without forcing a stretch. As daily tasks become easier, increase use gradually. Physiotherapy can guide strengthening and coordination; kinesiology taping or splinting may be considered for support.

Arrange an assessment if pain is severe, swelling is increasing, the wrist looks deformed, or you cannot grip or move it. Seek urgent care for numbness, a pale or blue hand, cold fingers, or an open injury. If symptoms are not clearly improving, an examination can check for a ligament injury or fracture.

Could this be a fracture or a more significant ligament injury? Should I use a splint, and for how long? Which movements and exercises are appropriate now? When can I return to work, driving, sport, or lifting?