Wrist Sprain question

[Click67]

My 16 year old daughter is a soccer goalkeeper. 5 days ago in a shooting drill she took a hard ball to her right hand that caused her wrist to snap backwards. She was in immediate pain, but had very little swelling. Xrays the next day were negative, and she was put in an immobilization splint for a sprain. Now, 5 days out there is very little change in her condition. Still significant pain, very minimal swelling, but her grip is quite diminished and there is audible clicking every time she flexes/extends the wrist. Should we just assume it is running its course or at what point should we suspect there may be something else going on that should be looked at?

[Heidi]

Hi
I think you should give it a little longer complete rest before you start to worry too much. These things can take time and it is a good sign that there isn't much swelling and no bruising.
If there is still no change by 2 weeks (post injury) then seek further advice from your Doctor.

[Click67]

Hi- thanks for your response. We are now 2 weeks out from the injury. Overall it has improved. ROM/grip are better and we never noticed much swelling; pain is diminished. However now, as her ROM is increasing, she is complaining of shooting, tingling electricity-type sensations with certain movements. Obviously the nerves are irritated, is that to be expected? What are your thoughts on continuing the brace?

[Heidi]

Hi
That improvement is really great.
As for the sharper pains she is experiencing on some movements, I think this isn't unusual (especially if it tends to be faster or end of range movements). Continue to rest from anything really strenuous on the wrist, but I wouldn't immobilise any longer. Persoanlly I would start doing mobility exercises and strengthening ones too if painfree. Things like a squishy ball to grip and isometric wrist flexion/extension (i.e. pushing against a wall - no wrist movement), progressing to resistance band exercises.