Sprained wrist tendon: what to know

Ligaments connect bone to bone and help steady the wrist. Tendons connect muscle to bone and help the wrist and fingers move. After a twist or fall, pain may come from the sprained ligament, irritated tendon tissue, or both. Pain with a particular action, such as gripping, lifting, or moving the thumb, can offer clues, but it does not establish the cause. Swelling, bruising, clicking, or weakness can also occur.

Pause painful gripping, pushing, and repetitive wrist work. Keep the wrist supported in a comfortable position and use a cloth-wrapped cold pack for brief periods. Do not massage a newly swollen area or stretch forcefully. Once sharp pain and swelling ease, gradual range-of-motion work followed by strengthening may help; physiotherapy can tailor this progression. A splint may be useful for selected injuries, but prolonged restriction without guidance can increase stiffness.

Arrange prompt care for severe pain, loss of strength, numbness, a deformity, or inability to move the wrist or fingers. An assessment is also warranted when pain is concentrated over a bone, follows a significant fall, or does not improve as expected. Persistent pain on the thumb side or repeated clicking deserves review because some ligament or tendon injuries need specific management.

Which structure seems injured: ligament, tendon, or bone? Do I need imaging? What support and exercises fit my injury, and what activity should I avoid while it heals?