Wrist Sprain Treatments in Wayne, New Jersey

Wrist sprains are a common injury. If you or a loved one has recently experienced a sprain, High Mountain Orthopedics can help. We offer high-quality sprained wrist treatments, including the RICE method, medication, physical therapy, and minimally invasive surgery. Our services are available to patients near Wayne, New Jersey to help minimize discomfort and restore normal function.

What Are Wrist Sprains?

The wrists are two of the most flexible and versatile joints in the body. This freedom of movement is made possible by a network of very tiny bones held together by connective fibers, or ligaments. These fibers help stabilize the joint. If your wrist is suddenly jerked further than it should bend, however, the ligaments may tear. A wrist sprain describes a tear in these ligaments and has the following symptoms:

• Sharp pain and a popping sensation at the time of injury
• Bruising and skin discoloration around the wrist joint
• Swelling and tenderness in and around the area
• A warm or feverish feeling in the skin near the wrist
• Pain that worsens whenever you move your wrist

If you injure your wrist and suspect it is sprained, speak with a medical professional. Some sprains can repair themselves with rest and self-care. Many, however, require medical attention for a full recovery. An improperly healed wrist sprain may lead to persistent pain, stiffness, and weakness in the future.

Causes and Risk Factors

Wrist sprains occur when the joint is suddenly forced beyond its safe range of movement. Most often, this happens when the patient falls onto an outstretched hand. Sprains may also be caused by other kinds of heavy impact. They can happen to anyone, although certain lifestyle factors may increase your risk of injury. Some of these include:

• Playing sports that involve high impact levels or sharp turns that may provoke a fall
• Participating in athletic activities without the proper equipment or conditioning
• Repetitive overuse of the wrist for an occupation or hobby or while using crutches

Though wrist sprains are common, they may be avoidable. Always ensure you are using the appropriate equipment for high-impact sports. If you put heavy stress on your wrists, make sure to rest and stretch them regularly to avoid future injury.

Available Wrist Sprain Treatments

The appropriate treatment for a sprained wrist depends on the injury’s severity. At High Mountain Orthopedics, we begin with an evaluation of your condition. For mild sprains, our doctors will recommend a self-care regimen called the RICE method. This involves rest, ice baths, compression, and elevation, often with the assistance of a heavy bandage or splint. A physical therapy program follows when the swelling and pain decrease, helping you restore strength and flexibility.

Rarely, a very severe sprain will not heal after self-care and therapy. Surgery may become necessary in these cases. As part of a sprain repair surgery, our surgeon will carefully stitch the torn fibers together to encourage proper healing. Ligaments may also be reconstructed with tissue from a nearby tendon or an artificial substitute. Surgery is then followed by physical therapy to ensure a full recovery.

Begin Your Recovery

If you have recently sustained a wrist injury, speak to High Mountain Orthopedics to begin your recovery process. Our team is highly experienced in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating wrist sprains of all degrees of severity. Contact us to learn more about sprained wrist treatments. To consult with one of our orthopedic specialists, schedule an appointment today at our state-of-the-art locations in Wayne, NJ.