A Guide on Wrist Sprains
Safe Work Australia 2008
In 2008, 3351 presentations to emergency departments due to work related hand and wrist injury.
These represented 44% of the 7552 work-related cases of injury that presented to the involved emergency departments over the same period.
A wrist sprain is a broad term that encompasses any injury to the soft tissues of the wrist, such as the muscles, joint capsule, ligaments, and tendons. The severity of a wrist sprain can vary, depending on the specific tissue that has been affected and the extent of the damage. Although the term "wrist sprain" does not indicate the exact tissue or severity of the injury, it typically implies that no bones have been fractured.
In most cases, wrist sprains can heal relatively quickly with a brief period of rest, and typically do not result in any lasting effects. Nonetheless, a few of these types of injuries may result in significant discomfort and impaired functionality due to harm to crucial structural ligaments. Such sprains may have long-term implications on the overall stability of the wrist and could result in continual pain and weakness. Additionally, you may experience instances where your wrist feels unstable or gives out when attempting to lift objects or bear weight.
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Ligament injuries are classified into grades according to severity. Ligament tears can be painful at any grade, especially when they first happen.
Grade 1: The ligaments are stretched, not torn. These usually take 2–3 days to heal.
Grade 2: Moderate sprains with partial tears of the ligament fibres. The ligament is partly intact and can take 2–6 weeks to heal.
Grade 3: The ligament is completely torn. These can take 6 weeks to heal. In some cases, they require surgery.
For a guide on immediate care on acute injuries, read more here
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Wrist sprains occur when the wrist is forced beyond its natural range of motion, leading to the stretching or tearing of soft tissues. A prevalent cause of wrist sprains is a fall onto the outstretched hand, particularly from a considerable height or speed. Young individuals often have strong bones, enabling them to fall with force without experiencing bone fractures, but they might still sprain their wrist. Conversely, an older person experiencing the same fall is more likely to suffer a wrist fracture.
Soft tissue injuries frequently occur during ball sports or when falling off a bike, and may also arise when the wrist or hand is excessively twisted, such as when using a drill or racquet that places the forearm in excessive rotation. The extent and direction of the injury will determine which soft tissues in the wrist are affected and the severity of the damage.
Another cause of soft tissue injury is attrition, whereby prolonged and repeated strain on a ligament can wear it down until it ultimately ruptures. A classic example is the continuous forceful gripping of electrical pliers, which can strain the scapholunate ligament in the wrist, causing a sudden popping sensation or a sense of something giving way while performing the same task as usual.
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Elevate the hand to limit swelling
First aid for any soft tissue injury (including a wrist sprain) is ice, compression and rest
Use the Aptus Wrist Brace to provide additional support when completing everyday tasks
Use a crepe bandage (available from most pharmacies) or a wrist splint to protect the wrist until it settles down
Avoid carrying heavy objects or gripping anything too tightly until your symptoms disappear
You must also see a medical professional to get a good clinical assessment for a diagnosis.
Disclaimer: The article serves as a general guide to this topic, you must seek professional help and advice from a medical professional