Signs you may have sprained your wrist

A wrist sprain may cause pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising and reduced movement after the wrist is bent, twisted or struck. Grip can feel weak because gripping stretches the injured tissues.

A sprain affects ligaments that support the wrist. Symptoms can range from mild stretching to a more substantial ligament injury. [Wrist Pain](/symptoms/wrist-pain/) after an injury can also come from a fracture or tendon problem, and swelling or bruising cannot reliably separate these causes. Examination and, when needed, imaging help clarify the injury.

Rest from lifting, pushing and painful gripping. Keep the hand elevated when it is swollen, and use a wrapped cold pack for short intervals. A removable [Splinting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/splinting/) option may protect the wrist, but it should not make the fingers numb, cold or discoloured. Once pain allows, gentle finger movement helps prevent stiffness. [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) may help restore motion and grip strength.

Arrange medical assessment if pain is strong, swelling is substantial, movement is very limited, or symptoms are not improving. Seek urgent care if the wrist looks deformed, the hand becomes numb or pale, fingers cannot move, or you cannot use the hand after the injury. A fall onto an outstretched hand deserves assessment even when bruising is small.

Could this be a fracture rather than a sprain? Should I wear a splint, and for which activities? When can I safely begin wrist and grip exercises?