Sprained Wrist
A sprained wrist can be painful, frustrating, and limiting, especially if it interferes with your daily activities or work. This article covers everything you need to know about wrist sprains, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and how physical therapy can aid in recovery.
If you’re experiencing wrist pain or limited movement, Paspa Physical Therapy in Manhattan offers expert one-on-one care to help you recover safely and effectively. Contact us today for a personalized consultation.
What is a Sprained Wrist?
A sprained wrist is a common injury that occurs when the wrist ligaments, the tough, fibrous tissues that connect the wrist bones, are stretched or torn. This type of ligament injury can range from a tiny tear (a mild wrist injury) to a completely torn or fully torn ligament, often caused by sudden twisting motions or trauma.
Ligaments play a key role in maintaining wrist stability, so when they’re injured, it can lead to serious issues like chronic pain, limited range of motion, or even the need for surgery in the case of severe wrist sprains.
How to Know You Have a Sprained Wrist
Identifying a sprained wrist early can help prevent complications. Common signs include:
- Swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the wrist joint
- A “popping” sensation at the time the current injury occurred
- Difficulty moving the wrist or reduced range of motion
- Persistent wrist pain, especially when using the hand
- Weakness or instability in the injured wrist
In more severe sprains, there may be a visible deformity, suggesting a serious injury like a complete tear or avulsion fracture, which happens when a ligament tears away from the bone.
Common Causes of Wrist Sprains
Most wrist sprains happen when people fall onto an outstretched hand, especially during sports, icy weather, or wet or slippery conditions. Other causes include:
- Repetitive strain or overuse from typing or manual labor
- Sudden trauma or impact
- Twisting motions while lifting or pulling objects
- Previous injuries that weaken the ligaments
Wearing wrist guards during sports and maintaining strength in your arms and wrists can help reduce the risk of injury.
Diagnosing a Sprained Wrist
If you suspect a wrist sprain, a physical exam and imaging tests are crucial. Even a wrist injury that seems insignificant can involve a torn ligament. A physician or experienced physical therapist will check for swelling, bruising, tenderness, and wrist stability, and compare the injured and uninjured wrist.
Diagnostic tools may include:
- X-rays to rule out a broken bone
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to evaluate ligament tears or a partially torn ligament
Without proper evaluation, even a mild or moderate sprain can worsen over time.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy plays a key role in sprained wrist treatment. At Paspa Physical Therapy, our experienced therapists develop customized programs to help you:
- Reduce swelling and reduce pain
- Restore wrist stability and range of motion
- Strengthen surrounding muscles to support healing
- Avoid re-injury and address other injuries or compensations
Paspa provides one-on-one care. You’ll work directly with a licensed therapist, not aides or trainers. With a full gym and private treatment rooms, you’ll receive both privacy and access to all necessary rehab tools.
Many people turn to Paspa after experiencing pain and swelling, or if other symptoms haven’t improved with rest.
Exercises That Can Help with Wrist Recovery
Once the injured ligament begins to heal, guided stretching exercises and strengthening routines can help restore function. Always follow your therapist’s guidance, especially for moderate sprains or more severe wrist sprains.
Here are a few exercises commonly used in therapy:
- Wrist stretch: Extend your arm with your palm facing down. Use the opposite hand to gently pull your hand down and back.
- Wrist curls: Using a light dumbbell, perform slow curls to build forearm strength.
- Elastic compression bandage exercises: Provide light resistance to retrain motion patterns and encourage blood flow.
For cases involving a torn ligament or ligament injury with a complete tear, surgery involves reconnecting the ligament to the bone, often with a tendon graft. Post-surgical rehab is essential to heal properly and restore function.
Get Back to Life With Paspa Physical Therapy
If you’re dealing with a sprained wrist, don’t let persistent wrist pain slow you down. At Paspa Physical Therapy, we understand how important it is to return to your normal activities without fear of re-injury. Our expert therapists provide personalized, one-on-one care to ensure you heal properly, whether you’re dealing with a mild wrist sprain or recovering from severe sprains or surgery.
Located in Manhattan, Paspa Physical Therapy offers a comfortable and private setting to support your recovery. Ready to feel stronger and pain-free? Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
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