Heal Smarter: Learn 7 Common Myths of a Sprained Wrist

Caroline* was enjoying another weekend of visiting area yard sales, with the hopes that she might find a few hidden gems to decorate her home just down the road. Everything was going fine, but while looking through a few large boxes, she did not notice a stack of rolled-up rugs protruding from underneath one of the tables. She tripped and instinctively put her hands out to break the fall. The plan worked, though she quickly noticed that her wrist was hurting. She did not think anything of it at first. After all, it is just a sprained wrist. But when the sprain did not heal on its own after a few days and remained very painful, she feared it was much worse and finally sought help from her local hand doctor. As expected, she did have a sprained wrist. But when her doctor suggested that she be fitted for a cast, she could not help but wonder, “Is this really necessary for a sprain?”

Sprained wrists are incredibly common, whether it be due to a fall, a sports injury, or something less expected, such as trying to open an impossibly tight pickle jar. Ironically, our first instinct might be to tough it out—assuming it is just a sprained wrist and that it will just go away on its own. But as Caroline’s story illustrates, that’s not always the case. From confusing a sprain with a break to believing you can “wait it out,” there is a lot of misinformation out there.

So, let’s set the record straight by debunking these and other myths that ultimately keep people from seeking help.

Are you looking for the best possible care for your sprained wrist?

Call 817-877-3277 to schedule a consultation with our fellowship-trained Fort Worth hand doctors.

Call 817-877-3277

Understanding the Ins and Outs of a Sprained Wrist

A sprained wrist is defined as the partial tearing or overstretching of ligaments. These are the bands of tissue that connect bones, and while they are extremely tough, it is not uncommon for them to be stretched beyond their limits. In some cases, when the wrist is bent forcefully or unexpectedly (such as during a fall), they can stretch so much that they tear. A sprained wrist is not the same as a broken wrist, which leads many to believe it is not a severe injury. While that can be true, the healing period for a sprained wrist varies from patient to patient.

Why? It all comes down to the severity of the injury. If you sprained your wrist while trying to open a jar from the cupboard, the healing time may be minimal in comparison to injuring it while weightlifting or falling on it awkwardly.

Generally speaking, a sprained wrist is categorized according to three grades:

1. Grade 1 — The injury is more of a minimal ligament stretch versus a tear. You will be able to put weight on it, and there is typically only mild pain and swelling. A Grade 1 sprained wrist can take 2-4 weeks to heal properly.
2. Grade 2 — There is a partially torn ligament and mild joint instability that leads to limited loss of movement. You may also struggle to put weight on your wrist. A Grade 2 sprain can take between 6-12 weeks to heal.
3. Grade 3 — This is a full ligament tear. You’ll know it because of the intense pain, swelling, and bruising. The patient can’t bear any weight on their wrist, nor can they successfully attempt a full range of motion. A Grade 3 sprained wrist can take anywhere from 3-6 months to heal properly.

Regardless of the grade, a sprained wrist typically involves these and other symptoms:

• Pain, swelling, and occasional bruising
• Limited mobility (can’t twist or bend the wrist)
• Difficulty making a fist or gripping objects
• General stiffness or weakness
• Clicking, popping, or tearing sounds
• The injury is warm to the touch

These 7 Myths About Sprained Wrists Are Not True

While wrist sprains are incredibly common, they often go undiagnosed or mistreated due to a host of misconceptions. Whether a coach tells you to rub some dirt on it and pretend it does not hurt, listened to bad advice from well-meaning friends, or believed outdated information online, it is time to separate fact from fiction.

Here are 7 common myths about sprained wrists—and the truth needed to heal smarter.

Sprained Wrist Myth #1: No need to see a doctor. Sprains heal on their own.

For some people, a slightly sprained wrist (Grade 1) can heal on its own with mild interventions (rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medicine). But that does not mean yours will. This is especially true if you tore a ligament. If your situation is not improving, it is better to visit with an orthopedic hand doctor to avoid other complications (chronic pain, permanent instability, grip weakness, reduced mobility, arthritis, etc.) and get you on the right treatment plan.

Sprained Wrist Myth #2: You should keep moving it to prevent stiffness

When it comes to a sprained wrist, thinking that you can “fight through” or “shake off” the injury is never a good idea. Sudden movements, such as returning to regular activities too fast or putting too much pressure on an unstable joint, can increase the ligament tear and prolong healing. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key during the first few days after the injury occurs.

Sprained Wrist Myth #3: You should use heat on a new wrist sprain

Contrary to popular belief, ice is the winner any time you have suffered a sprained wrist. This is especially true if the injury is tied to a specific event that happened recently. Using heating pads, heated compresses, or even a hot towel too early after an acute injury draws more blood to the injured area and makes swelling worse. Always use ice instead of heat during the first two or three days. Heat can be used to increase blood flow later.

Please do not delay seeking help for your wrist pain from a Fort Worth orthopedic hand surgeon

Call 817-877-3277 to schedule a consultation with the experts at the Fort Worth Hand Center.

Call 817-877-3277

Sprained Wrist Myth #4: Wearing a brace or cast is not necessary

It may not be necessary for a mild sprain. But if your doctor suggests wearing a brace or cast, do it. Wearing a wrist brace or splint provides the stability your wrist needs, prevents further ligament damage, and reduces pain during recovery. As long as bracing is used correctly and not for an extended period, it will not weaken your wrist.

Sprained Wrist Myth #5: A sprained wrist is the same as a broken wrist

This is one myth that needs to be debunked. As explained earlier in this article, a sprain involves the tearing or stretching of ligaments. A break or fracture involves a break in the bone. If you can’t tell if you have a sprain or a break, it is imperative that you seek help from an orthopedic surgeon who can perform an X-ray or MRI on the affected hand. This will tell you and your doctor which one you have.

Sprained Wrist Myth #6: Sprains always require surgery

Surgery is rarely the answer for a sprained wrist. More often than not, your orthopedic surgeon will lean heavily on conservative treatment options such as rest, ice, pain management, and physical therapy.

Sprained Wrist Myth #7: Only athletes get sprained wrists

Athletes are certainly more at risk for developing a sprained wrist from their activity of choice. But anyone can sprain their wrist. You could slip on a banana peel or even sprain your wrist tying a shoelace too tightly. Repetitive strain injuries are also a thing in certain professions.

Take Back Control of Your Life With Fort Worth Hand Center

It is very easy to take a sprained wrist lightly. This is especially true if it is not too painful at first and appears to be a mild musculoskeletal injury. But even the most minor wrist injuries can lead to bigger problems down the line if they are not checked and properly diagnosed by a hand doctor. Whether you are dealing with a fresh injury or lingering pain that has not gone away, the experienced orthopedic hand doctors at Fort Worth Hand Center are here to help. We specialize in accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and long-term recovery strategies for all wrist and hand injuries.

Fort Worth Hand Center offers expert care for all finger, hand, and wrist injuries. Our surgeons are specialists in treating chronic conditions and traumatic injuries, as well as performing state-of-the-art complex microscopic nerve repairs and tendon transfers. However, before any of that happens, our goal is to conduct a thorough examination to determine the best course of action. Sometimes, it may be surgery. Other times, a more conservative approach is better.

From the fingertips to the elbow, the Fort Worth Hand Center physicians treat a wide range of conditions. Many times, these ailments do not improve on their own and require skilled medical help from someone who truly understands your situation and how muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage function. Our team of Fort Worth orthopedic surgeons are here to help when you need it most.

If surgery is your best treatment, our orthopedic physicians operate in state-of-the-art, accredited surgery centers. To schedule an appointment, call 817-877-3277 or complete the form below.

Fort Worth Hand Center serves the DFW area, including Lake Worth, Mansfield, Newark, North Richland Hills, Pantego, Pelican Bay, Richland Hills, River Oaks, Saginaw, Sansom Park, Southlake, Trophy Club, Watauga, Westlake, Westover Hills, Westworth Village, White Settlement, Arlington, Azle, Bedford, Benbrook, Blue Mound, Burleson, Colleyville, Crowley, Dallas, Dalworthington Gardens, Edgecliff Village, Euless, Everman, Flower Mound, Forest Hill, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Kennedale, Lakeside, and all of North Texas.

*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Before starting any new treatment or if you have questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.