If you have injured your wrist, it’s important to determine whether you have simply sprained the wrist or broken a bone. Both types of injuries may require medical treatment, but treating a fracture promptly is very important for preventing complications. Below, we will take a look at the difference between and treatment for wrist sprains and fractures.
Wrist Sprains
Wrist sprains occur when one or more of the ligaments in the wrist is twisted, which typically causes swelling, inflammation, and pain. Sprains vary in severity. More mild sprains may heal on their own within a short period of time, while more severe wrist sprains may require medical treatment.
Wrist Fractures
A wrist fracture occurs when there is a break in the continuity of one or more bones in the wrist. Symptoms of a fracture include:
- Severe pain
- Wrist appears visually deformed or broken
- Bone protrudes from the skin
- Inability to move the wrist
- Numbness or tingling in the wrist or hand
Left untreated, a wrist fracture may not heal correctly, or may lead to serious complications such as compartment syndrome. If you believe that you may have a wrist fracture, it is important to get medical treatment right away.
Diagnosis of Wrist Sprains and Fractures
In some cases, a doctor may be able to diagnose a wrist sprain simply by physical examination of the wrist. If the doctor suspects a fracture or other wrist injury, he will order an x-ray of the wrist and hand, which can reveal injuries to the bone and other structures. In some cases, other types of imaging studies, such as PET scan, may also be ordered.
Treatment Options
The treatment for wrist sprains and fractures can vary considerably. For wrist sprains, the most common treatments include rest, ice, and compression, as well as medication and physical therapy. It is rare for a wrist sprain to require surgical treatment.
Wrist fractures are usually casted, which immobilizes the wrist so that the bone can heal correctly. If the bones are badly displaced from their normal position, the doctor may need to perform open reduction and internal fixation, a procedure in which the doctor surgically opens up the wrist and puts the bone back in place, then secures it with screws or pins. The wrist can then be casted and will heal over a period of time. Once a cast comes off, it is usually necessary to go through physical therapy to restore function to the hand and wrist.
Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your wrist injury. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.
