How do you tell if you have sprained your wrist?

At Blackberry Clinic our medical practitioners can tell you if you have sprained your wrist.

Wrist injuries are common and usually the result of a specific event. Maybe you slipped and fell at the grocery store and tore a ligament when you fell forward onto your outstretched hand. Perhaps you fractured your wrist while playing football, or you tweaked your wrist while moving furniture around. Your wrist pain could also be because you lifted too heavy at the gym yesterday. These are all specific causes you can point to for why you’re in pain.

A sprain is different from a broken wrist in that it is the partial tearing or overstretching of ligaments. For example, you fell and bent your wrist backward. The pain associated with a sprained wrist can range from mild stiffness to intense pain and joint instability. There are three types of grades assigned to a sprained wrist:

1. Grade 1 — This is considered a mild sprain because there is no tear, and the patient can still bear weight on the joint. The injury is more of a minimal ligament stretch and comes with mild pain and swelling. A Grade 1 sprained wrist can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to properly heal.
2. Grade 2 — Slightly more severe, this grade is characterized by a partially torn ligament and mild joint instability. The patient likely experiences limited loss of movement and finds it difficult to bear weight. A Grade 2 sprain can take between 6-12 weeks to heal.
3. Grade 3 — The ligament is fully torn, leading to intense pain, swelling, and bruising. The patient can’t bear any weight on their wrist, nor can they successfully attempt a full range of motion. A Grade 3 sprained wrist can take anywhere from 3-6 months to properly heal.

Navigating Wrist Sprains: Dos and Don’ts for a Speedy Recovery

 

A wrist sprain can be a challenging setback, but with the right approach, you can promote healing and regain functionality faster. This blog explores the dos and don’ts to guide you through the recovery process.

Dos:

1. Rest and Immobilization:

· Do: Allow your wrist adequate rest to facilitate healing.

· Do: Consider using a brace or splint as recommended by a healthcare professional to immobilize the wrist and prevent further strain.

2. Icing:

· Do: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the initial 48 hours to reduce swelling.

· Do: Use a cloth or towel to avoid direct contact between the ice and your skin.

3. Elevation:

· Do: Elevate your wrist above heart level when resting to minimize swelling.

· Do: Use a comfortable pillow or cushion to support your arm.

4. Pain Management:

· Do: Take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by a healthcare professional.

· Do: Follow prescribed medications and guidelines for pain management.

5. Gentle Range of Motion Exercises:

· Do: Gradually start gentle range of motion exercises as advised by a physiotherapist.

· Do: Move your wrist within pain-free limits to prevent stiffness.

Don’ts:

1. Avoiding Medical Attention:

· Don’t: Ignore persistent pain or swelling; seek medical attention promptly for a proper diagnosis.

· Don’t: Attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat severe wrist injuries.

2. Overexertion:

· Don’t: Engage in activities that strain the wrist or cause discomfort.

· Don’t: Lift heavy objects or participate in activities that may exacerbate the injury.

3. Skipping Rehabilitation:

· Don’t: Skip recommended physiotherapy sessions or exercises.

· Don’t: Resume normal activities without professional guidance.

4. Ignoring Pain Signals:

· Don’t: Ignore sharp or persistent pain during movement.

· Don’t: Push through pain; it’s a signal that your wrist needs more time to heal.

5. Improper Immobilization:

· Don’t: Improperly immobilize the wrist with makeshift splints or bandages.

· Don’t: Tighten splints excessively, as this may impede blood circulation.

Recovering from a wrist sprain requires a balanced approach of rest, care, and professional guidance. Book into a Blackberry Clinic near you to seek professional advice from any of our expert physios. 

By adhering to these dos and don’ts, you can support the healing process and minimize the risk of long-term issues. Remember, consulting with a  healthcare professional is crucial for personalized advice tailored to your specific injury.