SPRAINED WRIST

Sprains are usually divided into three grades. These are:

• Grade I: There is a pain with a minor damage to the ligament
• Grade II: There’s also pain but the damage in the ligament is much severe. There’s a feeling of looseness to the joint. Some feels loss of function.
• Grade III: There’s an extreme pain since there’s a completely torn ligament. Looseness of the joint and loss of function are also severe.

Symptoms of wrist sprain include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Feeling a Popping or Tearing in the Wrist

• Tenderness and Warmth Around the Injury

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will give you a thorough physical exam to diagnose a wrist sprain. You might also need the following:

• X-ray
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Arthrogram. It is a special type of X-ray or MRI done after a dye is injected into the wrist
• Arthroscopy. It is a minimally invasive surgery in which a tiny camera is inserted into the wrist

TREATMENT

Minor to moderate wrist sprains usually heals on their own. To speed the healing, you can:

• Rest your wrist for at least 48 hours.
• Ice your wrist for 20-30 minutes every three to four hours for two to three days to reduce pain and swelling.
• Elevate your wrist above your heart, on a pillow or the back of a chair as often as you can.
• Compress the wrist with a bandage.
• Take anti-inflammatory painkillers like Advil, Aleve, or Motrin. This will help with pain and swelling. However, these drugs must be used only when prescribed by your doctor. It is because these drugs can have side effects like a greater chance of bleeding and ulcers.
• Use a cast or splint to protect your wrist. This should only be for a short time, until you see the doctor.
• You may do some strengthening exercises or practice stretching and strengthening only if recommended by your doctor. You may also see a physical or occupational therapist to guide a program specific to your condition. 

Surgeries are mostly required for Grade III wrist sprains wherein ligaments are snapped.