The wrist sprain is one of the injuries that can occur more frequently, especially in people doing some sport or playing children who can fall. It is an easily diagnosed condition in the ligaments found in the wrist, the part that joins the hand with the forearm. Despite this, there is a risk that the person who suffers from it will not undergo treatment since the symptoms they manifest are not very intense, leading to chronic damage. To avoid this, at FastlyHealwe, explain the symptoms of a wrist sprain and the most common treatments that are usually applied to this injury.
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Symptoms of a wrist sprain
The wrist sprain is characterized by having apparent symptoms that usually appear quickly after the injury. However, it is likely that if we are doing some activity, we will not detect the damage until after a while, when the inflammation increases and the pain becomes more intense. Despite this, in general, a wrist sprain does not entail very severe symptoms, and in no case does it pose a risk to the health of the person suffering from it, as long as it is identified and the necessary measures are carried out. Some of the most common symptoms of a wrist sprain are:
- Pain in the wrist can vary.
- Pain in the hand
- Inflammation of the hand as a result of injury to the ligament.
- Bruises that appear as a result of the blow.
- Loss of mobility due to inflammation and pain.
- The sensation of heat in the joint.
- Numbness in the hand and wrist.
Types of sprain
Sprains can be differentiated based on the severity of the damage in the injury. We can divide the sprain into three degrees :
- Grade one sprain. The ligaments are stretched, but there is no tear; only some fibers are torn. Therefore, the person can perform complete movements and does not present intense pain but relatively slight and minor inflammation.
- Grade two sprain. There is a partial tear of the ligament tissue. The pain is moderate, and the swelling can be more readily appreciated. The affected person experiences more limited movements, and a bruise of the damaged area may also be visible.
- Third-degree sprain. The ligaments are completely torn, and as a consequence, the person experiences severe pain, with intense swelling, deformity, and an inability to move the hand.
Causes of a wrist sprain
The causes for which a wrist sprain can occur are varied, but in general, it is usually the result of a fall, sprains, or contusions that can displace the joint from its normal position. As a result, the ligaments that support the wrist joint can stretch or break. The causes of knee sprain are usually:
- Sudden and excessive movements. It is the most common when the sprain occurs during sports or physical exercise in which the person falls and supports their hand by exerting more pressure than the joint can help.
- Discolorations in the wrist joint. There is a direct blow to the wrist that causes the damage.
Diagnosis of a wrist sprain
A wrist sprain is easy to diagnose, and it can be detected quickly by going to a medical center. The doctor will observe the wrist to see mobility problems and evaluate the intensity of pain and the degree of swelling that the patient presents. An area X-ray may also be done if necessary to rule out any bone breakage. In addition, an MRI may also be done if you suspect that other parts of the hand may have been damaged.
Treatment of knee sprain
Treatment will focus on reducing pain and swelling for the first few days. Depending on the degree of the sprain, the treatment will vary, although generally, the same procedures are carried out:
- Ice application. The first thing we can do when we suffer an injury such as a wrist sprain is to apply a little ice to the damaged area to reduce the swelling the size. Physiotherapeutic treatment using cold is known as cryotherapy, and it is often used in these cases.
- Immobilization of the site. Although in grades 1 and 2 sprains, the total mobilization of the affected area is not necessary, in the third grade, it is usually immobilized until the inflammation is reduced a little.
- Compression . Exert controlled pressure on the affected area with an elastic bandage to stimulate blood flow, avoiding further inflammation.
- Hot compresses. Applying heat once the inflammation has subsided is also effective.
- Physiotherapy. Your doctor may recommend seeing a physical therapist for a few sessions in some cases. This treatment is focused on strengthening the wrist through exercises that also help relieve pain.
- Surgery. In some cases, surgery will be necessary to repair tears or even replace a damaged ligament.
When to see the doctor
In most cases, a wrist sprain does not pose a risk to the person who suffers it, and there are usually no complications. However, it is essential to see a doctor when suspected damage to the area. In addition, it is necessary to see a doctor if these symptoms are detected after the injury:
- Fever.
- Bruises, swelling, or pain that does not get better.
- Cold sensation on the wrist or it acquires a blue color.
- The skin on the wrist is very swollen or tight.
- Difficulty moving your hand, fingers, or wrist.
- The damaged area becomes numb, red, or tingly.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any kind of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Wrist sprain: symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Bones, Joints, and Muscles category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.