Wrist

Wrist Fracture

Wrist fractures are most commonly associated with twisting injuries. The bones of the wrist, the carpals, work with the articular cartilage and ligaments to join the radius and ulna of the arm to the metacarpals of the hand. A fracture results when a bone breaks in the wrist where the ligaments attach.

Wrist Sprain

To treat a sprained wrist, immobilize the arm to protect the wrist from further injury, and raise the wrist above the level of your heart to reduce swelling. Use wraps or a compressive bandage until the swelling has stopped. Apply ice to the wrist to decrease swelling and pain, and then see your doctor.

It's sometimes difficult to tell a fracture and a sprain apart. If the pain and swelling are severe and you can't move your hand, or if the pain and swelling don't subside after three days, seek medical care.