Hand and wrist sprains are some of the most common injuries we see here at our orthopedic offices in East Tennessee. If you’ve sprained your wrist or hand, come see us ASAP. Though most sprains do not require medical intervention, severe sprains may require surgery to restore the use of the hand. Don’t wait. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can start feeling better.
What Is A Sprain?
A sprain occurs when the ligaments that hold the bones together stretch or tear. Most hand and wrist sprains happen when someone falls and tried to catch themselves with an outstretched hand. Hand and wrist sprains can also occur from a direct blow or hyperextension.
Symptoms of Hand and Wrist Sprains
The first symptom of a wrist sprain is usually pain. In addition to pain in the hand or wrist, you’ll also likely experience the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Tenderness in the hand or wrist
- Warmth at the injury site
- Weakness
- A sensation of popping or tearing at the injury site
- Bruising
If You Think You May Have Sprained Your Hand or Wrist
If you have incurred a fall or sports injury and think you have sprained your wrist or hand, come in and see us as soon as possible. Once under care, your provider will do several tests to determine whether or not your wrist or hand is sprained, look for any breaks, and determine the right treatment for you.
Types Of Sprains
Sprains are categorized into three different grades depending on severity. The type of treatment you’ll receive for your sprain depends on its severity.
Grade I – Minor damage to the ligament.
Grade II – More severe damage to the ligament than Grade I, with some loss of function and a feeling of looseness in the joint.
Grade III – Completely torn ligament, severe looseness in the joint, and loss of function.
Treatments for wrist and hand sprains
You’ll be happy to know that most minor to moderate sprains heal on their own without medical intervention. If you’re found to have a Grade I or Grade II sprain, your doctor will likely recommend the treatments for sprains listed below:
- Rest – Try to not move your hand or wrist for a couple of days. A brace can help keep your hand immobile while the sprain heals.
- Ice – Ice your sprain for 30 minutes, three times a day to reduce pain and swelling.
- Compression – A brace or compression bandage can reduce swelling as well as keep your wrist stable while resting.
- Anti-inflammatory pain medicine – OTC medications like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help reduce pain and swelling.
Surgery for Grade III hand and wrist sprains
If your hand or wrist sprain is Grade III, and one or more ligaments in your hand or wrist are completely torn, surgery may be necessary to reattach the ligament and restore the motion of your hand or wrist. Wrist sprain surgery generally involves either reattaching the ligament to the bone or using a graft to reconnect the ends of a torn ligament back together. Recovery from hand or wrist sprain surgery generally lasts about eight to 12 weeks.
Our Hand & Wrist Surgeons
Trigger Finger
03 August, 2020
Testimonial From Patient Anne Rackley
21 September, 2015