A wrist sprain is an injury to the ligaments that hold the wrist bones together, usually from falling onto an outstretched hand. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness, and most mild sprains improve over a few weeks with early, gentle movement. Because some wrist fractures, especially of the scaphoid bone, can look like a sprain and may not show on a first X-ray, a proper assessment after a fall is important.
Also known as sprained wrist, wrist ligament injury
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness around the wrist after a fall or twist
- Swelling and sometimes bruising
- Stiffness and pain when bending the wrist or gripping
- Weakness when lifting or pushing up from a chair
- A clicking or giving-way feeling in more significant ligament injuries
Causes and risk factors
- Falling onto an outstretched hand
- Sports such as cycling, skiing, skating, rugby and goalkeeping
- A sudden twist or forced bend of the wrist
- Lifting or catching something heavy awkwardly
- Slips and trips, which are more likely with reduced balance
What the evidence says helps
- For people with wrist pain after injury whose MRI showed no fracture or major ligament tear, one small trial found early movement led to less disability in the first four weeks than two weeks in a cast, with no difference by six weeks.1
- A careful history and examination, with immobilisation only when needed and onward referral when appropriate, is the recommended approach to hand and wrist injuries.5
- No single examination finding reliably rules out a hidden scaphoid fracture. Tenderness in the hollow at the base of the thumb is sensitive but not specific, so a combination of tests and imaging is often needed.23
- NICE recommends considering MRI as the first scan for suspected scaphoid fractures, after a thorough clinical examination.4
- Evidence on specific exercise programmes after wrist sprain is limited. A gradual return to movement and strength, guided by symptoms, is a common and sensible approach.1
Things you can try at home
- For the first couple of days, protect the wrist, use a cold pack wrapped in a towel and raise your hand to ease swelling
- Start gentle wrist and finger movements within your comfort as early as you can
- Remove rings early if your hand is swelling
- Build back to lifting, pushing and sport gradually over a few weeks
- If pain is not easing after a week or two, get it checked rather than waiting
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Go to A&E if your wrist looks deformed, you cannot move it, or there is an open wound
- Go to A&E if your fingers become numb, cold, pale or blue
- Go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E the same day if you fell on your hand and the hollow at the base of your thumb is tender, as this may be a scaphoid fracture
- See a GP or urgent care if pain and swelling are severe or not improving after one to two weeks
- Seek urgent advice if you have frequent falls or a minor fall caused the injury, as bone health may need checking
How Apollo can help
We can assess your wrist after an injury, screen for signs that suggest a fracture or significant ligament damage, and refer you for imaging through your GP or urgent care when needed. For sprains, our sports therapist and osteopaths provide advice on early movement, load management and a graded strengthening plan to help you return to work, sport and daily tasks. We can also look at balance and strength if a fall caused the injury.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my wrist is sprained or broken?
It can be hard to tell without an examination. Deformity, severe swelling, being unable to move the wrist or tenderness at the base of the thumb all suggest a possible fracture. If in doubt after a fall, get it checked the same day.
How long does a sprained wrist take to heal?
Mild sprains often improve over two to six weeks. More significant ligament injuries can take longer and sometimes need specialist assessment. If pain is not easing after a week or two, get it reviewed.
Should I wear a wrist support for a sprain?
A support can help for comfort in the first few days. For simple sprains, one trial suggests early movement leads to a quicker return to normal use than a period in a cast. Start gentle movement as soon as comfort allows.
References
- Clementson M, et al. (2016). Is early mobilisation better than immobilisation in the treatment of wrist sprains? Journal of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery. View source
- Coventry L, et al. (2023). Which clinical features best predict occult scaphoid fractures? A systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy studies. Emergency Medicine Journal. View source
- Mallee W, et al. (2014). Clinical diagnostic evaluation for scaphoid fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Hand Surgery. View source
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2016). Fractures (non-complex): assessment and management (NG38). NICE. View source
- Strudwick K, et al. (2018). Review article: Best practice management of closed hand and wrist injuries in the emergency department (part 5 of the musculoskeletal injuries rapid review series). Emergency Medicine Australasia. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
