A wrist sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the wrist. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bone to bone and help stabilize the joint. Wrist sprains commonly occur after falling onto an outstretched hand during sport, exercise or everyday activities.
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Symptoms range from mild pain and swelling to severe pain, instability and loss of function depending on how badly the ligament is damaged.
Seek urgent medical attention if:
- Your wrist looks deformed
- You cannot move your wrist or hand
- Pain is severe or worsening
- You have significant swelling or bruising
- There is numbness or tingling
- You cannot grip objects
- You suspect a fracture
Sprained wrist symptoms
Wrist sprain symptoms include:
- Sudden wrist pain at the time of injury
- Pain when moving or gripping
- Tenderness over the injured ligament
- Swelling around the wrist
- Bruising in more severe injuries
- Reduced range of movement
- Weakness gripping or lifting
- A popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury in severe sprains
Diagnosis & imaging
Your doctor may X-ray your wrist to rule out a fracture. Additionally, they may sometimes use an MRI scan to assess ligament damage in severe or persistent injuries.
Even relatively minor wrist sprains can lead to ongoing pain, weakness and instability if not treated properly.
How bad is my wrist sprain?
Wrist sprains can vary in severity depending on how bad they are.
Grade 1 (Mild)
The ligament is stretched but not torn. Mild pain and swelling are present with little loss of function.
Grade 2 (Moderate)
Partial tearing of the ligament causes more significant pain, swelling and reduced wrist function.
Grade 3 (Severe)
What is a wrist sprain?
A wrist sprain occurs when one or more wrist ligaments are stretched or torn. This usually happens when the wrist bends excessively forwards, backwards or sideways during a fall or impact.
Common causes of wrist sprains
- Falling onto an outstretched hand
- Contact sports
- Racquet sports
- Slipping on wet surfaces
- Skiing and snowboarding falls
- Gymnastics or tumbling injuries
Wrist sprains don’t usually occur as overuse injuries. Gradual onset of wrist pain is more likely to be due to RSI or repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
A complete ligament rupture causing severe pain, instability and loss of function. A small piece of bone may also be pulled away (avulsion fracture).
Sprained wrist treatment
Most mild to moderate wrist sprains improve with conservative treatment – PRICE principles:
Protect
Wear a wrist support or splint to reduce movement and protect the injured ligament. After the acute stage wrist taping provides additional support and protection.
Rest
Avoid painful activities, especially gripping, lifting and sport.
Ice
Apply cold therapy for 10–15 minutes every 2–3 hours during the first 48 hours to help reduce pain and swelling.
Compression
Compression bandages or wrist supports may help limit swelling. Cohesive tape or bandage is ideal as it is elastic and sticks to itself.
Wrist sprain recovery time
- Mild sprains: 1–3 weeks
- Moderate sprains: 3–6 weeks
- Severe sprains: 6–12 weeks or longer
Recovery depends on the severity of the ligament damage and how soon treatment begins.
Severe wrist sprains
Severe wrist sprains may require immobilization in a splint or cast for 1–6 weeks depending on the injury. If the wrist remains unstable or pain persists, further imaging or specialist assessment may be required.
Wrist sprain Rehabilitation & Exercises
Once pain and swelling improve, begin gentle mobility exercises before progressing to wrist strengthening exercises.
Rehabilitation aims to:
- Restore movement
- Improve strength
- Improve grip function
- Prevent stiffness
- Reduce the risk of re-injury
Surgery
Surgery is occasionally needed for severe ligament ruptures or unstable wrist injuries. The damaged ligament is repaired or reattached to the bone. If an associated fracture is present, pins, wires or screws may be used to stabilize the wrist while it heals.
Rehabilitation following surgery usually includes a period of immobilization followed by progressive mobility and strengthening exercises.
Wrist sprain FAQ’s
Can you still move your wrist if it is sprained?
Yes. Many people can still move the wrist, although movement is usually painful and limited.
How do I know if my wrist is broken or sprained?
A fracture often causes more severe pain, swelling, bruising and loss of function. An X-ray may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Should I wear a wrist brace for a sprain?
A wrist support or splint may help protect the injured ligament and reduce pain during the early stages.
How long does a sprained wrist take to heal?
Mild sprains may heal within 1–3 weeks, while severe injuries can take several months.
