Other treatment options
RICE Treatment: Mild wrist sprains can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured area.
Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help relieve the pain and swelling associated with a sprained wrist.
Immobilization: Moderate wrist sprains, especially in competitive athletes, may need to be immobilized (movement restricted) for 7-10 days. The doctor may recommend a splint or light cast.
Surgery: Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery may sometimes be needed to repair a completely torn ligament.1
Recovery time
Most wrist sprains heal with time. If you have suffered a stretch or partial tear of a wrist ligament, self-care and strengthening exercises can help with recovery. You will be able to return to pain-free daily activities and playing sports relatively quickly. However, severe wrist sprains with completely torn ligaments may require surgical repair and a longer recovery period.1,3
How long does it take to recover from a wrist sprain?
A mild wrist sprain improves quickly, usually within 2-3 days. More severe sprains can take several weeks to heal. Grade III wrist sprains can sometimes take 3-6 months for complete recovery.1,7
Complications of wrist sprain
When a wrist ligament is completely torn, a piece of bone may break off with the ligament. This is called an avulsion fracture. It needs professional medical care. Surgery may be required to repair the torn ligament.8
It is recommended that you allow your wrist sprain to heal before resuming your regular activities, especially sports. If you don’t give your wrist time to heal, it can lead to further injury, stiffness, and chronic (long-lasting) pain.8 If you return to playing sports before the wrist sprain has healed, there is a risk it can happen again. Over time, an untreated wrist sprain can lead to ongoing pain, instability, and weakness. Ultimately, painful arthritis may develop in the joints, leading to stiffness and limited movement of the wrist.9
When to see a doctor
Fortunately, the long-term prospects for wrist sprain are excellent in most people. A sprained wrist does not usually cause any long-lasting symptoms and heals well with physical therapy exercises. However, severe sprains should be checked by a medical professional. Call your doctor immediately if:1,9
- You have severe pain despite using over-the-counter pain medication.
- You have a fever of 100.4 Fahrenheit (38 degrees Centigrade) or higher.
- Your wrist is severely swollen or deformed.
- You are unable to move your wrist in any direction.
- Your hand feels numb or has turned gray or blue.
- Your symptoms are not improving 2-3 days after the injury.
Wrist sprain prevention
Wrist sprains in non-athletes often occur due to falls on slippery surfaces. You should be careful when walking in icy or wet conditions. Sprained wrists also frequently occur during sports. It is a good idea to wear the recommended protective equipment, such as wrist guards, splints, or protective tape, during activities that can lead to excessive bending or twisting of the wrist.4 Skiers should use ski poles with finger grooves and low-profile grips. Holding the ski poles without the straps can also help prevent wrist sprains because the poles can be quickly dropped during a fall.1
Don’t let your wrist sprain go untreated
A wrist sprain is a fairly common injury among people who play sports. It can also occur in non-athletes due to a fall on an outstretched hand. Oftentimes, people brush it off by saying “it’s just a wrist sprain.” However, without the proper treatment, a sprained wrist can result in longstanding pain, stiffness, and weakness. Thankfully, most minor wrist sprains heal fairly quickly with home remedies and exercise. Wrist exercises can strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint and keep it flexible. This can help you recover from a wrist sprain and prevent future injuries.
The Injurymap app demonstrates a range of exercises for every part of the body, including the wrist. These exercises can be conveniently practiced at home with little to no equipment. If you have symptoms of a wrist sprain, you should begin with stretching exercises and gradually shift your focus to strengthening exercises. This will speed up your recovery from a sprained wrist and also reduce your risk of getting injured again.
The Injurymap app makes it easy to perform the exercises with the correct posture and technique. Each exercise is demonstrated in the app for you to follow along. Don’t let a sprained wrist prevent you from doing your normal activities and playing the sports you love. Start using the Injurymap app today and begin healing from your wrist sprain.
Start your 14-day free trial of the Injurymap app today!
