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Sprained wrist

10-minute read

Key facts

  • A sprained wrist happens when a ligament is stretched or torn.
  • Sprains and strains often happen during sports, exercise, sudden movements or falls.
  • Common symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain and difficulty moving your wrist.
  • Treatment may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, pain-relief medicine, physiotherapy and sometimes surgery.
  • A sprained wrist can sometimes lead to dangerous swelling (compartment syndrome), which needs urgent treatment.

What is a sprained wrist?

A sprained wrist happens when a ligament (the tissue that connects bones at a joint) in your wrist is stretched or torn. Sprains and strains often happen during sports, exercise, sudden movements or falls.

Sprains are grouped into 3 grades based on how much the ligament is damaged.

Grade 1 (mild)

A small amount of ligament fibres is torn. This leads to mild pain and slight swelling.

Grade 2 (moderate)

A partial ligament tear. This leads to more swelling, tenderness and some loss of movement.

Grade 3 (severe)

A complete ligament tear. This leads to severe pain, swelling and an unstable wrist.

Sprains are common in the ankle, wrist or knee. Other common wrist injuries include strains, fractures (broken bones) and dislocations.

What symptoms are related to sprained wrist?

Symptoms of a sprained wrist depend on the grade of your injury. They may include:

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What causes a sprained wrist?

A sprain happens because of a sudden twist or wrenching motion. It is common in sports, exercise and sudden movements that involve:

You are at higher risk of a sprained wrist if you:

How is a sprained wrist diagnosed?

To diagnose a sprain, your doctor may:

To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other injuries, your doctor may suggest an:

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if:

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When should I seek emergency or urgent care?

If you have pain or muscle tightness along with tingling, numbness or difficulty moving, you may have acute compartment syndrome. This is a medical emergency. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

See your doctor immediately if you have ongoing wrist pain after an injury, especially if:

Learn more about urgent care clinics and when you may need an ambulance.

How is a sprained wrist treated?

Treatment depends on how severe your sprain is. Most mild sprains can be treated at home. Moderate to severe sprains may need physiotherapy or medical treatment.

Self-care at home

Mild sprains can usually be treated with rest and care to help ease swelling and support healing.

Follow the RICE-GF for self-care at home:

Medicines

If you need pain-relief medicine, paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) may help.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the best pain-relief medicine for you, and the right dose for your circumstances. You may need to avoid certain medicines, especially if you have other health conditions.

Other treatment options

If you have a more severe sprain, your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist. Physiotherapy can help improve movement and strengthen your wrist.

If the ligament is completely torn, your doctor may refer you to a surgeon for assessment.

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What are the complications of a sprained wrist?

If you have pain or muscle tightness along with tingling, numbness or difficulty moving, you may have acute compartment syndrome. This is a medical emergency. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

A sprained wrist can sometimes lead to long-term problems. Possible complications include:

Surgery may also have risks. Ask your doctor about possible complications to help you prepare for surgery.

Can a sprained wrist be prevented?

You can lower your risk of a sprained wrist by keeping your wrist strong. Wrist exercises can help protect your wrist and keep it moving easily. This is especially important if you use your wrists a lot.

Strengthening your wrist muscles can also ease pain and help prevent long-term problems if you get injured.

Ask your doctor or physiotherapist for advice on the best wrist exercises for you.

Resources and support

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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