Wrist injuries are very common, particularly in those who play sports, lift weights, type for extended periods of time, or fall unexpectedly. While a more forceful impact may result in ligament tears or fractures, even a simple twist of the hand can strain the soft tissues. A minor injury in the wrist can quickly turn into a long-term problem if it is not treated properly.
This guide will walk you through every aspect of wrist injuries, including types, symptoms, diagnostic techniques, treatment options, benefits of physiotherapy, and where to find specialized care in Dwarka, whether you're looking for effective wrist injury treatment in Dwarka or want to know how to choose the best hand and wrist injury doctor.
It's normal to instinctively reach out your hands to break your fall if you slip. This may cause a sudden impact on the wrist, resulting in wrist injury. These injuries often happen during sports.
Many elderly people experience falls in everyday life. Sudden movements, like throwing a ball or swinging a tennis racket, can also lead to sprains.
Patients with osteoporosis have a higher chance of breaking their bones, which increases their risk of wrist injuries from falls. Compared to men in the same age range, women over 50 are more likely to suffer from bone fractures.
Children also often sustain wrist injuries because their bones, ligaments, and joints are still developing. However, children usually recover from injuries quite well.
Even though wrist injuries are very painful, these injuries usually heal in a few weeks. Sometimes it's necessary to keep the wrist still for extended periods of time. It is very rare that a wrist injury is so severe that it requires surgery.
There are different types of wrist injuries:
The more the hand is overstretched or bent, the greater the chance of ligament injuries or fractures.
Wrist injuries can be very painful. You can often see fractures and dislocations from the outside, and they usually hurt more than sprains. Swelling and bruising are also common. If nerves are injured, your hand's feeling might change. For example, your fingers might feel numb or tingling. It's important to see a doctor quickly if you experience unusual sensations, severe pain, or see a visible deformity. If you cannot move your hand at all, it’s an emergency, and you should go straight to a hospital.
Ligament injuries might not cause much pain at first, but longer-lasting symptoms can appear later. Wrist joint instability from torn ligaments often becomes noticeable after a few weeks. Your wrist may give way and tilt to one side when you apply pressure.
Consult an orthopedic specialist if you are suffering from:
A thorough assessment is crucial because even minor symptoms may point to more serious tissue damage.
Right after injuring your wrist, it's important to stop moving the joint right away and then rest it. Keeping it raised can help limit swelling. Follow the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) technique. Depending on the type of injury, you can use a firm elastic bandage, splint, or plaster cast. You can treat pain with creams or tablets like acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. If you take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller for a long time, it's wise to also take medication to protect your stomach.
Whether you need to keep your hand still, and for how long, will depend on the type of injury and the healing process. A doctor can make that decision. Sometimes, there's no need to keep it still at all. If the wrist is sprained, a few days is often enough. However, people who have torn a ligament or fractured a bone need to keep their hand still for several weeks to allow the injury to heal.
If the wrist is dislocated, the bones are moved back into the right position using local or general anesthesia, depending on how severe the injury is. Doctors may recommend surgery if bones need to be realigned after a fracture, if a ligament is completely torn, or if there is nerve damage. After surgery, the wrist joint is usually immobilized for a few weeks. However, you don’t always have to keep the wrist still afterward, and it’s generally better to start moving it again as soon as you can. Sometimes, people can move their hand right after wrist surgery.
Physical therapy and occupational therapy can support healing after a wrist injury. Specific exercises can help you move your hand better and strengthen the muscles.
Dr. Ishwar Bohra is a leading name when it comes to speciality in joint care especially for wrist injuries in India. He has been widely acknowledged for his versatile and patient-centric approach. For top wrist injury treatment in Dwarka, reach out to Dr. Ishwar Bohra.
Wrist injuries can make it difficult to perform daily tasks like writing, driving, and lifting objects. However, with timely diagnosis and expert care, recovery is quick and effective. Whether you have a sprain, fracture, tendon injury, or nerve compression, consult Dr. Ishwar Bohra, the best wrist injury specialist in Dwarka, for the right care at the right time.
Make an appointment right away if you're experiencing pain, swelling, stiffness, or difficulty moving your wrist so you can resume your routine with confidence!
Q1: How much time is needed for a wrist sprain to heal?
A: Depending on the degree of ligament damage, moderate to severe sprains may take 4–8 weeks to heal, while mild sprains heal in 1-2 weeks.
Q2: Is surgery necessary for a wrist fracture?
A: No, surgery is not necessary for all wrist fractures. Casting or splinting helps heal a lot of fractures, including distal radius fractures. If the bone is unstable or dislocated, surgery is necessary.
Q3: How is wrist pain assessed?
A: X-rays for fractures, MRIs for cartilage or ligament damage (such as TFCC tears), ultrasounds for tendinitis, and nerve conduction tests for carpal tunnel syndrome.
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