What Happens When You Sprain Your Wrist?
A wrist sprain may sound minor until you try to lift something, type, or even twist a doorknob. Whether you’ve fallen awkwardly or twisted your wrist during sports, a sprained wrist can quickly affect your daily life activities.
ANF Therapy® is an advanced, non-invasive treatment for wrist sprains. It utilises small ANF Devices that are placed at specific points on the body. This therapy aims to target inflammation and support the body’s natural healing process, reducing swelling, restoring mobility, and alleviating pain without the need for medication, injections, or surgery.
But what happens when you sprain your wrist? In this blog, we’ll discuss what a wrist sprain is, its causes, how to identify its symptoms, and, most importantly, how to treat it for a safe and speedy recovery.
What Is a Wrist Sprain?
Wrist sprain occurs when you overstretch the ligaments (strong bands of connective tissues that connect bones to bone) beyond their limits. Ligaments help to stabilise the joints and also aid movement. Therefore, when you sprain your ligaments, it leads to pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
What Causes a Wrist Sprain?
The most common cause of a wrist sprain is falling onto an outstretched hand, commonly referred to as a FOOSH (Fall On Outstretched Hand) injury. But there are other triggers as well, such as:
- Sports injuries (especially in basketball, skateboarding, gymnastics, and snowboarding)
- Sudden twisting or impact to the wrist
- Lifting heavy objects incorrectly
- Repetitive strain from typing, working out, or using tools
Grades of Wrist Sprains:
Wrist sprains are graded according to their severity. These are:
- Grade I (Mild): Ligament is stretched, but not torn. There is mild pain and minimal swelling.
- Grade II (Moderate): In grade II, there is partial tear of the ligament, noticeable swelling, bruising, and pain during movement.
- Grade III (Severe): In grade III, there is a complete ligament tear, severe pain, joint instability, and possible joint dislocation.
The severity of the sprain determines your treatment plan and recovery time.
Symptoms of a Sprained Wrist:
If you want to know if you have a wrist sprain or not. There are the following symptoms. These are
- Sharp or throbbing pain at the time of injury
- Swelling around the wrist joint
- Bruising or discolouration
- Pain when gripping, twisting, or moving the wrist
- Warmth or tenderness to touch
- In more serious cases, a feeling of instability or a popping sound at the time of injury
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to treat the injury promptly to prevent complications.
What Happens Inside Your Wrist?
The wrist joint is made up of eight small bones connected by a network of ligaments. When these ligaments are overstretched or torn, the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed. Blood rushes to the area, causing swelling and pain. This is your body’s way of initiating the healing process.
In more severe sprains, torn ligaments can destabilise the joint, which may lead to long-term issues such as chronic pain, arthritis, or recurrent sprains if not adequately treated.
Treatment for a Sprained Wrist
There are various ways to treat wrist sprains. These are:
ANF Therapy® :
ANF Therapy® is a non-invasive approach based on frequency medicine. It uses small, wearable ANF Devices that are applied to specific points of the body. These devices are positioned in areas connected to the wrist and surrounding tissues. This therapy aims to support the body’s natural healing processes, reducing discomfort and improving range of motion and overall function.
Outcomes:
ANF Therapy® has treated multiple patients with wrist sprains. In a real-world study involving 1,054 patients across 45 countries, pain levels decreased significantly, from 7.6 to 3.1 out of 10. Patients also showed reduced swelling and improved range of motion after one session. The satisfaction rate was 92 %.
Start your journey with ANF Therapy® :
ANF Therapy® is the newest treatment for managing all kinds of muscle strain, including wrist sprain. If you are experiencing severe pain in your wrist joint, followed by a sprain, consult an ANF Practitioner or find an ANF Therapist at www.anftherapy.com/find-clinic to discuss how ANF Therapy® can help you. It offers a drug-free approach that aims to target not only the symptoms but also the underlying cause of the disease.
If you’re a healthcare practitioner and want to enhance your clinical skills with frequency medicine, learn more about the ANF Education at the ANF Academy website.
2- R.I.C.E. Method
The first 48 hours are critical. Use the R.I.C.E. protocol:
- Rest: Avoid using the wrist and keep it immobilised as much as possible.
- Ice: Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours to reduce inflammation.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage or wrist brace to control swelling and support the joint.
- Elevation: Raise your wrist above heart level to reduce fluid buildup.
3-Strengthening Exercises
As your wrist heals, gradually reintroduce strengthening exercises to restore stability and prevent future injury. Try:
- Wrist curls with light dumbbells
- Resistance band extensions
- Forearm stretches
How Long Does It Take to Heal a Sprained Wrist?
Healing time depends on the severity of the injury:
- Grade I: 1–2 weeks
- Grade II: 3–6 weeks
- Grade III: 6–12 weeks or longer (may require immobilisation or surgery)
Stick to your treatment plan, avoid reinjury, and drink adequate water to support the natural healing process.
Mistakes to Avoid When Healing a Wrist Sprain:
- Ignoring pain and continuing to use the wrist
- Skipping rehab or exercises
- Not utilising a brace when needed
- Returning to sports too soon
- These mistakes can delay recovery or exacerbate the injury.
Conclusion:
FAQs:
Is a sprain a fracture?
No, a sprain is not a fracture; it is an injury to the ligament that connects one bone with another. In contrast, a fracture is in the bone.
Is a sprain a torn ligament?
Yes, a sprain can be a torn ligament depending on the severity of the sprain. Grade 3 sprain is considered a torn ligament.
What is the most common injury in soccer players?
The most common injuries in soccer players are ankle sprain, muscle strain, and knee injuries.
