Sprained wrist not healing: what to do

Ongoing pain may reflect repeated loading, insufficient protection, stiffness after too much rest, or an injury mistaken for a simple sprain. A ligament injury, fracture, tendon irritation, or nerve involvement can produce overlapping symptoms. Notice whether pain is linked to gripping, rotation, weight bearing, or one tender spot, and record what makes it better or worse.

Stop activities that reproduce sharp pain and keep the wrist in a comfortable neutral position. Do not force stretches or repeatedly test the painful movement. Gentle finger motion is useful, and a removable support may help during tasks if it does not increase tingling or pressure. A clinician can decide whether imaging or guided [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) is needed. Rehabilitation should progress from comfortable movement to controlled strength.

Book an assessment when symptoms are not improving, keep returning, or interfere with sleep, work, or ordinary hand use. Seek urgent help for deformity, rapidly increasing pain, loss of feeling, a weak or pale hand, or inability to move the fingers. After a fall, persistent tenderness over a wrist bone warrants assessment even if bruising is limited. Read about [Wrist Pain](/symptoms/wrist-pain/) to compare symptom patterns.

Ask what diagnosis fits the examination, whether a scan is needed, how long support should be worn, and which exercises are appropriate now. Ask how to use [Splinting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/splinting/) without losing comfortable movement.