Wrist Sprain: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery
A wrist sprain is an injury to a ligament in the wrist. Ligaments connect bones together, and an injury to these ligaments can vary in severity. Wrist sprains are commonly caused by excessive force or strain, such as falling forward or backward onto an outstretched hand.
Types of Wrist Sprains
Wrist sprains are categorized based on their severity:
- Grade I Injury: A stable injury with minimal damage to the ligament.
- Grade II Injury: Partial tearing or stretching of the ligament.
- Grade III Injury: A complete tear of the ligament or full detachment from the bone.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Wrist Sprains
If you have sprained your wrist, our doctors will perform a thorough examination to determine the severity of the injury, the cause, and whether further diagnostic tests are needed. An X-ray may be performed to rule out any fractures, and in some cases, an MRI or wrist arthroscopy may be used to examine the ligaments.
Once diagnosed, the treatment will be tailored to the severity of the sprain:
- Milder sprains may be treated with splints or casts, along with protected activity.
- Severe sprains with complete ligament tears may require surgical repair or reconstruction.
Chronic Wrist Sprains
If a wrist sprain goes untreated or unnoticed, it can lead to wrist instability and arthritis, limiting treatment options. Persistent or chronic sprains may be managed with:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Steroid injections
- Splinting for support
For a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan, contact South Florida Hand and Orthopaedic Center at (561) 241-4758.