What does a sprained wrist look like?

A sprained wrist may look swollen or bruised, with tenderness around the injured ligaments. Movement may be painful, grip can feel weaker, and the wrist may appear stiff. Appearance alone cannot reliably separate a sprain from a fracture or dislocation.

Swelling often develops around the wrist after a twist, fall, or impact. Bruising may spread across the wrist or hand as blood collects under the skin. Pain with loading, turning a door handle, or bending the wrist points to an injury, but normal-looking skin does not rule out deeper damage.

Rest the wrist from painful lifting, keep it supported, and use a cold pack wrapped in cloth for short periods. Elevation can help with swelling. A temporary splint may limit painful movement; it should not be tight enough to cause tingling, colour change, or increasing pain. Gradually resume movement as pain allows, or ask about physiotherapy if stiffness persists.

Arrange prompt assessment after a significant fall, obvious deformity, severe or worsening pain, inability to move the wrist, or marked swelling. Seek urgent help if fingers become numb, pale, blue, or cold. Ongoing wrist pain after an injury also deserves review because a small fracture may be difficult to identify from appearance alone.

Could this be a fracture or ligament injury? Do I need imaging? How long should I use support, and which movements are safe? When should I begin exercises, and what symptoms mean the splint needs adjustment?