What is a sprained wrist?

A sprained wrist is a stretched or torn wrist ligament that can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness. The injury can range from mild stretching to a more substantial tear, and similar symptoms can come from a broken bone.

Ligaments hold the wrist bones together and help control the joint during gripping and movement. A fall onto the hand, a sudden twist, or a forceful impact can overload them. You may notice tenderness, reduced grip, pain when turning the forearm, or swelling that develops after the event. A medical examination is the safest way to distinguish a sprain from a fracture when pain is significant or function is reduced.

Protect the wrist from lifting and painful positions. Use a cold pack wrapped in cloth for short periods, keep the hand elevated when swollen, and consider a comfortable brace for tasks that provoke symptoms. Do not tighten support until the fingers tingle or change colour. Keep the fingers moving, and later add gentle wrist motion within comfort. Physiotherapy can help if stiffness, weakness, or uncertainty about exercises continues. Splinting may be recommended when a clinician wants to limit movement while the injury is assessed.

You can read more about the related symptom in Wrist Pain.

Get prompt assessment after a fall or blow if the wrist looks deformed, swelling is pronounced, pain is severe, or you cannot use the hand normally. Seek urgent help for numbness, pale or blue fingers, unusual coldness, or an open injury. Arrange follow-up when symptoms fail to improve or continue to restrict work, sleep, or daily activities.

Ask whether the injury needs an X-ray, how much movement is appropriate, whether a brace is needed, and how to return safely to work, sport, or lifting. Ask when Physiotherapy would add value.