What happens if you sprain your wrist?

A sprain commonly follows a fall onto the hand, a twist or a sudden force. The injured ligament may produce tenderness, bruising, swelling and pain when the wrist bends or bears weight. A mild injury may remain usable, while a more substantial tear can make gripping and rotation difficult. Wrist fractures and tendon injuries can feel similar, so a significant injury should not be diagnosed from symptoms alone.

Protect the wrist from painful loading, keep it supported and use a cold pack wrapped in cloth for short periods during the early swelling phase. Do not force painful movement or return to sport before control and comfort improve. [Splinting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/splinting/) may support healing when recommended. Later, [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) can restore movement, strength and confidence; [Kinesiology Taping](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/kinesiology-taping/) may be an adjunct chosen by a clinician.

Seek urgent assessment after a fall or impact if the wrist looks deformed, pain is severe, swelling is marked, the hand is numb or cold, or you cannot move the fingers or grip. Arrange a review when pain or swelling is not improving, because a small fracture or more serious ligament injury may need specific management.

Ask whether imaging is needed, how much support the wrist requires, which movements to begin first, and what signs indicate that normal activity is safe. Ask how to protect the wrist while strength returns.