The wrist has several strong bands of tissue (ligaments) that hold the bones in place and stabilize the joint. A ligament can tear if it is sprained, or stretched beyond its normal limits. For instance, a common cause of a torn wrist ligament is a fall onto an outstretched hand.

If you recently sustained this type of injury, you can receive a prompt and professional evaluation by a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic hand and wrist surgeon at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Your wrist doctor will ask about your symptoms and the circumstances of your injury, then perform an in-depth examination and order imaging scans if necessary to confirm your diagnosis.

What Are the Signs of a Torn Wrist Ligament?

In addition to pain and instability, a torn wrist ligament may cause:

• Warmth and tenderness
• Swelling and bruising
• Weakness, stiffness, and reduced range of motion

Sometimes, a popping or tearing sensation can be felt when the injury occurs.

How Is a Torn Wrist Ligament Treated?

Usually, a mild sprain will improve on its own within several weeks, but a more severe injury may take longer to heal. It’s important to seek treatment because, if left unaddressed, a torn wrist ligament can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain, stiffness, instability, and early-onset arthritis.

Premier Bone & Joint Centers offers a full spectrum of treatment options—both conservative and surgical—for a torn wrist ligament. Many patients begin with a combination of splinting to limit wrist motion and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve painful swelling. As comfort allows, gentle stretches and progressive strengthening exercises can be performed to improve flexibility and range of motion. If the ligament is fully torn and/or nearby bone or other tissues are damaged, a surgical repair may be needed to reconstruct the ligament or reconnect it to the bone.

If you suspect that you’ve torn a ligament in your wrist, you should seek treatment from the expert team at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Thermopolis, WY. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.