What it is
A sprain is a partial injury to a ligament, ranging from a mild stretch to a partial tear. Commonly sprained wrist ligaments include the scapholunate ligament in the middle of the wrist and the TFCC on the small-finger side. Sometimes a tiny piece of bone pulls off with the ligament (an avulsion fracture).
Symptoms
Swelling and pain, especially with motion, and sometimes bruising. Symptoms may build over several days.
Diagnosis
An examination and X-rays make sure there is no fracture, dislocation, or complete ligament tear. If the wrist does not improve, further imaging may look for injuries not visible on X-ray.
Treatment
Most sprains are treated without surgery: ice and a splint or wrap for the first few days, then rest and a splint as needed until symptoms settle, which can take up to six weeks. Small avulsion fractures usually heal on their own.
Recovery
Wrist sprains usually heal well with few or no lasting symptoms.
Appointments
Call Lake Success at (516) 467-8600 or Huntington at (631) 425-2140, or schedule online.
About this guide
This guide is adapted from HandCare, the patient education library of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), which is written and updated by ASSH member hand surgeons. Every patient is different, and the right option for you is best decided together at an office visit.
Source: American Society for Surgery of the Hand. “Sprained Wrist.” HandCare. https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/sprained-wrist. Accessed October 2026.
The information on this website is for general education and is not medical advice.