A complex group of bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments, the wrist facilitates a wide range of hand movements. All elements must work seamlessly together to allow for full and pain-free function. The ligaments, in particular, are strong bands of connective tissue that stabilize the wrist and keep the bones properly aligned. Also known as a sprained wrist, a torn wrist ligament can allow the bones to drift out of position, leading to pain and wrist instability.

How Do You Know if You’ve Sprained Your Wrist?

A wrist ligament can tear if it is stretched beyond its normal limits. For instance, the most common cause of a sprained wrist is a fall onto an outstretched hand. Sometimes, a tearing or popping sensation is felt when the injury occurs.

In addition to wrist pain and instability, the signs of a torn wrist ligament can include:

• Swelling and bruising around the wrist
• Reduced range of motion in the wrist and/or hand
• Warmth and tenderness at the injury site

If you’ve injured your wrist and are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can consult with a board-certified, fellowship-trained hand and wrist surgeon at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Rawlins, Wyoming.

The Diagnostic & Treatment Process

To evaluate your injury, your physician at Premier Bone & Joint Centers will:

• Review your medical history, including the circumstances of your injury as well as any previous wrist injuries you may have had
• Perform a physical examination to check your range of movement and joint alignment
• Order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or an MRI, to check for fractures and misaligned bones

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, we can suggest a treatment plan to help you recover quickly and fully. For instance, a partially torn ligament is usually treated with several weeks of immobilization in a cast or splint, while a fully torn ligament may require a surgical repair. In either case, you can feel confident that you are in good hands with the team at Premier Bone & Joint Centers.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic hand doctor at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Rawlins, WY.