Understanding Wrist Sprains and Healing Time
- What is A Sprained Wrist?
- Sprained Wrist Symptoms
- Wrist Sprain Causes
- How Are Wrist Sprains Treated?
- How Long Does it Take To Recover From a Wrist Sprain?
Wrist sprains are incredibly common, making up a quarter of all sports-related injuries. The number of new cases yearly in the United States ranges from 170,000 to 600,000. If you’ve experienced a wrist sprain, you may wonder how long it will take to heal completely and what factors influence the recovery process.
At Orlando Orthopaedic Center, we have extensive experience helping patients with wrist injuries and guiding them through rehabilitation. Our team understands the importance of addressing the root causes of wrist sprains and providing effective pain relief strategies.
In this article, we explore the factors that contribute to the healing of a sprained wrist and discuss how you can alleviate pain and promote a speedy recovery. By understanding the mechanisms behind wrist sprains and the available treatment options, you can take proactive steps toward healing and regaining the full functionality of your wrist.
What Is A Sprained Wrist?
A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which connect and stabilize bones and joints sustain damage. Ligaments, characterized by their flexibility and durability, play a crucial role in maintaining the body’s structural integrity by connecting bones.
20 different ligaments support the eight wrist bones within the wrist. A sprained wrist occurs when these ligaments are stretched beyond their normal capacity, resulting in injury. The scapholunate ligament, connecting the scaphoid and lunate bones, is particularly prone to sprains.
The excessive stretching of ligaments typically results in minor injuries like wrist sprains. However, more severe sprains occur when ligaments tear. Regardless of severity, sprains often manifest as pain and difficulty in wrist movement.
Fortunately, many wrist sprains can be managed at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication. However, if symptoms persist or worsen after several days of home treatment, it is advisable to seek medical attention from an orthopaedic provider.
Sprained Wrist Symptoms
If you suspect a wrist sprain, watch out for these signs and symptoms:
How does a sprained wrist feel?
A sprained wrist typically causes significant pain, particularly during movement. Additionally, you may experience:
- Tenderness
- Warmth
- Popping or tearing sounds
- Difficulty moving the wrist
- Weakness
What does a sprained wrist appear like?
A mildly sprained wrist may exhibit slight swelling. However, in more severe cases, bruising and swelling may be noticeable.
Wrist Sprain Causes
Typically, wrist pain arises from physical trauma to the wrist, often occurring during an event known as FOOSH (Falling Onto an Outstretched Hand).
You may sprain your wrist if:
- It suddenly twists
- Moves in an abnormal position
- Bends backward
- Experiences heavy impact
Such incidents are common in sports like basketball, gymnastics, mountain biking, and skateboarding, where falls are frequent. Additionally, overuse, as seen in tennis and boxing, can lead to wrist sprains.
It’s important to note that wrist sprains aren’t exclusive to athletes; anyone can experience them. Accidents like slipping on ice or tripping over an object can also result in wrist sprains.
How Are Wrist Sprains Treated?
Treatment for a sprained wrist can often be managed at home. Avoid activities that strain your wrist, and consider over-the-counter pain medication like NSAIDs or acetaminophen to alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. However, consult a healthcare provider before prolonged use of pain relievers exceeding ten days.
Follow the RICE method upon experiencing symptoms:
- Rest: Refrain from activities that caused the injury and avoid overusing your wrist during healing.
- Ice: Apply a cold compress or ice packs wrapped in a thin towel to your wrist for 15-minute intervals several times a day.
- Compression: Wrap your wrist with an elastic bandage to minimize swelling, ensuring it’s not too tight to impede circulation.
- Elevation: Elevate your wrist and arm above heart level whenever possible to reduce swelling.
If symptoms persist after a few days of at-home treatment, seek medical attention. Your provider may recommend wearing a brace or splint to immobilize your wrist in a neutral position during healing.
Surgery for a sprained wrist is uncommon but may be necessary if the injury is severe or accompanied by other damage. Procedures such as arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique, or open surgery may be performed to repair damaged ligaments and set bones back into place.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Wrist Sprain?
The ability to move the elbow, wrist, and hand through their full range of motion without experiencing pain is a general indicator of a wrist sprain’s severity. It determines how long it will take to recover.
Healing durations typically range from two to 10 weeks, although individual recovery rates vary. The severity of the sprain and adherence to proper management affect the extent of healing. Grade 1 sprains may resolve within 2-4 weeks, while Grade 3 sprains may require 3-6 months for complete recovery.
Consider engaging in alternative activities that do not strain the wrist during the healing process. For example, skiers can explore activities like jogging or stationary biking instead of using poles.
When Can You Resume Normal Activity After a Wrist Sprain?
It’s important to take your time with the recovery process. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are important to strengthen your surrounding wrist musculature. Only resume previous levels of physical activity when the following criteria are met:
- Absence of wrist pain during rest.
- Ability to perform workouts and handle objects (such as sports equipment) without experiencing pain.
- Equivalence in strength between the injured wrist, hand, and arm compared to the uninjured side.
- Avoid using the wrist prematurely, as it may lead to permanent damage.
Next Steps for Sprained Wrist
Understanding how a sprained wrist heals is important for managing expectations and promoting optimal recovery. If you are dealing with a wrist sprain or have any concerns about your musculoskeletal health, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with Orlando Orthopaedic Center today. Our team of experts is committed to providing comprehensive care and guiding you through every step of your recovery journey.
