A sprain or strain occurs when the strong ligaments and tendons supporting the joints stretch beyond their limits and get torn. Sprains and strains can occur at the wrist joint. This typically happens when the wrist is bent or twisted forcefully. Frequently, this is caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. Wrist sprains are common injuries.
Pathophysiology
Wrist sprain and strain injuries can occur in several ways. This most common ways include falling onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury) or impact to the wrist from an object such as a ball in sports. A sprained wrist may be very painful, especially when you move it. It might also be tender, warm, have tearing sounds, be challenging to move, and feel weak.
Radial and ulnar wrist sprains are two different types of wrist sprains. The most common radial wrist sprain occurs with the injury of ligaments connecting the lunate and scaphoid bones. The most critically involved ligaments are the scapholunate ligament and the radioscapholunate ligament. In the case of an ulnar wrist sprain, the torn ligaments can be of the triangular fibrocartilagenous complex or the luno-triquetrum complex.
The most common mechanism of injury is a fall on an outstretched hand, with an essential impact on the inner side of the hand. The gravity and the damage pattern depend on the impact’s angle, power, and duration.
Causes
The most common cause of wrist sprain and strain is a physical injury in the form of trauma. But you can also get strain or sprain by:
- Sudden twisting at the wrist joint
- Backbends
- Weightlifting
- Accidental slipping
Different sports also serve as a risk factors for wrist strains and sprains, such as:
- Mountain climbing
- Gymnastics
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Boxing
Treatment
Treatment of wrist sprains and strains may be necessary to avoid permanent damage to the wrist.
Over-the-counter pain medications are used to relieve pain, such as naproxen or ibuprofen.
After a wrist injury, applying ice on the damaged joint helps in reducing inflammation and swelling. To do this, wrap an ice pack with a clean towel, then place it on your affected wrist for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Repeating this at least three times a day may yield better results.
Compression bandages can also be used around strained wrist joints to minimize swelling.
In the case of severe pain due to a wrist sprain, consultation with a medical provider may speed recovery.
Facial abrasions and considered more serious as these have a higher risk of cicatrization and should be cleaned,debrided, and dressed daily. Dressings may require skin adhesives like the combination of gum mastic, styrax,alcohol, and methyl salicylate or tincture of benzoin.
Contact us
In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate telemedicine services, where medical providers are available to offer assistance. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care to directly talk to an expert. If your medical issue is not appropriate for telemedicine, we will let you know and refer you to an in-person facility.
When to visit a doctor:
If you are feeling severe pain in your wrist after injury or are unable to move your wrist, you should see a medical provider in order to avoid possible serious complications.
Treatment for wrist strains and sprains is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.