brand-logo

Wrist sprain

Low urgency
Common-

Excessive stretching or tearing of the ligaments that stabilise the wrist.

The most common cause is trauma or a fall.

It is characterised by pain, inflammation, bruising and reduced mobility.

Diagnosis is made by taking a history and performing a physical examination.

Treatment is based on analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs and joint immobilisation (with or without a splint). Ice may be applied locally at the time of trauma to benefit from its anti-inflammatory effects. Once the symptoms have improved, exercises to improve the functional mobility of the joint should be gradually introduced.

Bibliographic references
  1. Blake Reid Boggess. Evaluation of the adult with acute wrist pain. UpToDate, Apr 03, 2015.
  2. Chen PJ, Liu AL. Concurrent flexor carpi radialis tendon rupture and closed distal radius fracture. BMJ Case Rep 2014; 2014.
  3. Halikis MN, Taleisnik J. Soft-tissue injuries of the wrist. Clin Sports Med 1996; 15:235.
  4. Daniels JM 2nd, Zook EG, Lynch JM. Hand and wrist injuries: Part I. Nonemergent evaluation. Am Fam Physician 2004; 69:1941.
  5. Joe H. Gieck. El entrenador y la rehabilitación. Esguinces y distensiones. Lesiones del deportista. Salvat Editores, 1986.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Wrist pain

    Pain in the hand

    Wrist bruise

    Swollen wrist

    Stiff wrist when movements are carried out

Symptoms to watch out for

Pain that doesn't subside with analgesics
Numbness or tingling of the fingers
Increase in pain and swelling of the affected area

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Apply cold compresses 3 times a day for 20 minutes to reduce the symptoms.
Avoid doing abrupt movements.
Mediktor logo