Wrist Sprain/Strain
The difference between a sprain and a strain is that a sprain injures the bands of tissue that connect two bones together, while a strain involves an injury to a muscle or to the band of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.
A wrist sprain (TFCC tear) is a common injury for all sorts of athletes. All it takes is a momentary loss of balance. As you slip, you automatically stick your hand out to break your fall. But once your hand hits the ground, the force of impact bends it back toward your forearm. This can stretch the ligaments that connect the wrist and hand bones a little too far. The result is tiny tears or even worse, a complete break to the ligament.
HAND & WRIST ANATOMY
DISEASE EXPLAINED
SYMPTOMS
Pain
Swelling
Tenderness and warmth around the injury
Feeling a popping or tearing in the wrist
Bruising
Loss of motion
Weakness
CAUSES
While falls cause of a lot of wrist sprains, you can also get them by:
Being hit in the wrist.
Exerting extreme pressure on the wrist or twisting it
Wrist sprains are common in:
Basketball players
Baseball players
Gymnasts
Divers
Skiers, especially when they fall while still holding a pole
Skaters
Skateboarders
Inline skaters
Wrist sprains also can happen to anyone who takes a fall or gets hit on the wrist.
TREATMENT
TREATMENT OPTIONS
While they can bench you for a while, the good news is that minor-to-moderate wrist sprains should heal on their own. They just need a little time. To speed the healing, you can:
Rest your wrist for at least 48 hours.
Ice your wrist to reduce pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes every three to four hours for two to three days, or until the pain is gone.
Compress the wrist with a bandage.
Elevate your wrist above your heart, on a pillow or the back of a chair. as often as you can.
Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Advil, Aleve, or Motrin, will help with pain and swelling. However, these drugs can have side effects, like an increased risk of bleeding and ulcers. They should be used only occasionally, unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.
Use a cast or splint to keep your wrist immobile. This should only be for a short time, until you see the doctor. Then follow the doctor’s advice about whether or not to continue using a splint. Using a splint for too long can result in more stiffness and muscle weakness in some cases.
Practice stretching and strengthening exercises if your doctor recommends them. It is best if you see a physical or occupational therapist to guide a program specific to your condition.
CONTACTING DR. PERLMUTTER
Texting is preferred by Dr. Perlmutter for communication (717-836-6833). Please contact him ASAP, should you have any concerns whatsoever. Many patients fail to contact Dr. Perlmutter when they should have because they are "afraid of bothering him." This is a potentially dangerous attitude and Dr. Perlmutter will always welcome every opportunity to make his patients feel more comfortable. Please feel comfortable sending photographs to add perspective to your questions. Please turn on your flash, aim directly at the body part that you wish to show, and use an evenly colored, dark, and non-reflective background.
If you cannot text, you may call Dr. Perlmutter, however, you must use a confirmed caller ID unblocked telephone or he will not be able to return your call. If you need help turning off this feature you may:
1) Try pushing *82 prior to dialing, or
2) Use a different phone.
Your failure to do so will absolutely compromise your care and hurt your outcome!
If Dr. Perlmutter cannot be reached on his cell phone or by text, please contact the hospital operator to assist in reaching him or a member of his team. They can be reached at NASH: 252-962-8000. ECU Edgecombe: 252-641-7700.
IF YOU PERCEIVE AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911 OR GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM ASAP.
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