FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute

Do You Have Sprained or Broken Wrist?

Do you know your ligaments are fibrous connective tissue that keeps the joint intact by connecting your bones and stabilizing them? Even if the functioning is entirely normal still, you can experience issues with your ligaments. When ligaments extend beyond the normal range, it can cause a sprain. If you have wrist pain, we understand how challenging it can be to perform day-to-day activities! Whether eating, cleaning, doing office work, household chores, etc., everything requires hand movement.

Types of Sprain or Breaks

Wrist pain can result from long-term problems, such as repetitive movements, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Remember, many factors can cause wrist pain, but diagnosing the exact cause can be difficult. The first step to recovering from any condition is an accurate diagnosis. It is crucial to get one in the process of healing. You can’t afford to bear the pain; instead, seek medical help. The more delayed the diagnosis is, the longer it takes to heal, leading to reduced range of motion and long-term disability. Some sprains can be mild, while others are severe and can be determined by the exact cause of the pain. Grade 1 sprains are mild where the ligament is not torn, while Grade 2 sprains are moderate, where can expect some additional damage to the ligament. In the end, Grade 3 is the most severe, where the ligament is 100% torn. Grade 3 sprain requires medical attention.

Common Activities That Cause Sprain or Breaks

The most common activities in which sprained wrists include baseball, basketball, diving, skating, skiing, and skateboarding. Breaks are often caused by participating in football, horseback riding, hockey, rugby, skiing, and snowboarding.

Different Types of Fractures

Different types of fractures can occur at eight small carpal bones. The most common wrist break or fracture is a distal radius fracture. It happens when the person tries to balance themself after the fall and gets up or puts weight on the hands. Then the next most common is a scaphoid fracture, which involves scaphoid carpal bone at the base of thumb tendons. It can be painful and tender, and its treatment depends on its severity and location.

Symptoms of Sprain and Break

Swelling, bruising, or a feeling of warmth surrounding the wrist are common sprain symptoms. If the wrist is tender and you notice a popping or tearing sound inside the wrist, it means there is a sprain. A fractured or broken wrist can cause severe pain, and you might also notice swelling and bruising. While in some cases, it appears bent.

 If you are experiencing pain in your wrist and want to find relief, you can reach out to FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute at (510) 350-3030.