The most common
sporting injury to the wrist is a wrist sprain. There are many ligaments in the
wrist that can be torn or stretched, resulting in a sprained wrist. This
commonly occurs when the wrist is bent forcefully or in a fall onto an
outstretched hand. Sprains to the wrist can range from mild to severe and are
graded depending upon the degree of ligament injury that exists.
Grade 1 - mild sprain
where the ligaments are stretched but not torn
Grade 2 - moderate
sprain where the ligaments are partially torn
Grade 3 - severe
sprains that occur when there is significant complete tearing of ligaments
With grade 1 sprains,
there is some mild discomfort and decreased range of motion. With grade 2
sprains there is more serious loss of function. Grade 3 sprains result when the
ligament tears away from the bone and require surgical treatment. Many times
this tearing leads to a small chip of the bone being torn away with the
ligament. This is known as an avulsion fracture.
The most common
symptoms of a wrist sprain include:
Swelling of the wrist
Bruising or
discoloration of the skin around the wrist
Pain at the time of the
injury
A feeling of popping or
tearing inside the wrist
Persistent pain when
you move your wrist
Tenderness at the
injury site
A warm or feverish
feeling to the skin around the wrist
Most sprains can be
treated with immobilization and rest. However, your orthopedic specialist may
have to perform surgery to correct your wrist injury. This all depends on the
severity of the sprain and intensity of the torn ligament. Surgery involves
reconnecting the ligament to the bone. This procedure is followed by a period
of rehabilitation with exercises to strengthen your wrist and restore motion.
Although the ligament can be expected to heal in 6 to 8 weeks, rehabilitation
for a full recovery could take several months.
Other Injuries of the
Wrist
Tendinosis - This is a
syndrome that involves a series of very small tears (called microtears) in the
tissue in and around the tendon. Common symptoms are pain, tenderness,
decreased strength of the wrist, and limited movement.
De Quervain's
Tendonitis - This can occur in the hand and wrist when the thumb extensor
tendons and the sheath covering these tendons swells and becomes inflamed. This
leads to pain, tenderness, and decrease in motion of the wrist.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- This is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The symptoms of
this syndrome include numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the fingers,
hand and wrist areas.
Colles' Fracture - This
type of fracture is a break across the radius that occurs when the hand is
extended out during a fall. The break occurs causing the wrist to become
shortened and extended. Teens that enjoy outdoor sporting activities often
develop these types of fractures because falls often occur.
Symptoms of a Colles'
fracture include inability to straighten the wrist or to hold heavy objects,
distortion in the shape or angle of the forearm above the wrist, and pain and
swelling of the injured area. Many of these fractures are not severe and you
can be placed in a splint and sling. Sometimes, the orthopedic specialist
applies a fiberglass cast. More severe fractures may require surgery including
placement of pins or plates and screws. Recovery from this injury ranges from 6
weeks to 6 months depending on the severity of the fracture.
Visit Dr. Weil's
website to learn more about the procedures he offers, including treatments for
carpal tunnel and trigger finger release.
