Sprained Wrist vs. Broken Wrist: How to Tell the Difference

Wrist injuries are common, especially after a fall or during sports activities. Whether you’ve landed awkwardly on an outstretched hand or experienced a sudden impact, it can be difficult to determine if your wrist is sprained or broken. While both injuries can cause pain and swelling, the treatment and recovery process for a sprain and a break differ significantly. In this article, we’ll explore how to distinguish between a sprained wrist and a broken wrist, the signs to watch for, and when to seek medical attention.

Understanding a Sprained Wrist

A sprain occurs when the ligaments—tissues that connect bones to other bones—are stretched or torn. This usually happens due to a sudden twist or impact that forces the wrist into an unnatural position.

Common Causes of Wrist Sprains:

Falling onto an outstretched hand
Twisting the wrist in sports like tennis, basketball, or gymnastics
Sudden force or trauma to the wrist

Symptoms of a Wrist Sprain:

Pain, especially when moving the wrist
Swelling and bruising around the wrist
A feeling of instability or weakness in the wrist
Limited range of motion
Tenderness over the affected area

Mild to moderate sprains usually heal with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), but more severe sprains may require a brace or even physical therapy for full recovery.

Understanding a Broken Wrist

A broken wrist, also known as a fracture, occurs when one or more of the bones in the wrist break. The most common wrist fracture involves the radius, one of the long bones in the forearm, but other bones in the wrist can also break depending on the nature of the injury.

Common Causes of Wrist Fractures:

Falls that result in direct impact on the wrist
High-energy sports collisions
Accidents, such as car crashes or bike falls

Symptoms of a Broken Wrist:

Severe pain that may worsen with movement or pressure
Swelling and bruising that develops quickly
A visible deformity or misalignment of the wrist
Difficulty moving or bending the wrist and fingers
Numbness or tingling in the fingers, indicating nerve involvement

A broken wrist typically requires more urgent medical attention and often involves wearing a cast or splint for several weeks. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and secure them with pins or plates.

Key Differences Between a Sprained and Broken Wrist

While both sprains and breaks share symptoms such as pain and swelling, there are key differences that can help you identify the type of injury:

Pain Intensity and Type:
A sprained wrist often causes moderate pain that worsens with movement but may improve with rest. In contrast, a broken wrist usually results in severe, constant pain, particularly during movement or pressure on the wrist.
Swelling and Bruising:
Both sprains and fractures can cause swelling, but in the case of a broken wrist, the swelling may be more pronounced, and bruising can appear quickly. You might also notice the wrist appears misaligned or deformed.
Movement Ability:
With a sprained wrist, you may still be able to move the wrist, albeit with some discomfort. However, a broken wrist will significantly limit your ability to move the wrist, fingers, or hand due to intense pain and possible misalignment of the bones.
Deformity:
A clear sign of a broken wrist is visible deformity—if your wrist looks out of place, or you notice a bump or unusual angle, it’s likely that a bone is broken.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you’re unsure whether your wrist is sprained or broken, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention. A healthcare provider will be able to assess the injury through physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays, to confirm whether the wrist is sprained or fractured.

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Severe pain or inability to move the wrist or fingers
Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
Swelling that doesn’t subside after a day or two
Visible deformity or misalignment of the wrist
Bruising that appears quickly and covers a large area

Treatment for Sprained vs. Broken Wrist

Treatment for a wrist injury depends on whether the wrist is sprained or broken.

Treating a Sprained Wrist:

RICE Method: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the first steps in treating a sprained wrist. These help reduce pain and swelling.
Immobilisation: In moderate to severe sprains, a brace or splint may be necessary to prevent movement and allow the ligaments to heal.
Physical Therapy: Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, physical therapy may help restore strength and flexibility in the wrist.
Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation during the healing process.

Treating a Broken Wrist:

Immobilisation: A broken wrist will require a cast, splint, or brace to keep the bones in place while they heal. This can last from several weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the fracture.
Surgery: In some cases, especially when the bones are misaligned, surgery may be necessary to reset the bones and secure them with metal plates, pins, or screws.
Rehabilitation: After the cast is removed, physiotherapy is often needed to restore full range of motion and strength to the wrist and hand.

Preventing Wrist Injuries

While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of wrist injuries, especially if you engage in activities like sports or cycling.

Wear Protective Gear: Wrist guards can provide extra support during activities like skateboarding, snowboarding, or rollerblading, where falls are common.
Strengthen Your Wrists: Incorporating strength training exercises that target the wrists and forearms can help stabilise the joint and make it less susceptible to injury.
Use Proper Technique: Whether you’re playing sports or lifting weights, using the correct technique is crucial to avoiding wrist injuries. This includes maintaining good posture and avoiding overextending the wrist during activities.

Conclusion: Knowing the Difference Between a Sprained and Broken Wrist

Distinguishing between a sprained wrist and a broken wrist can be challenging, but recognising the key symptoms of each can help you seek the appropriate treatment. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure the correct diagnosis and recovery plan. At MSK Doctors, we specialise in treating wrist injuries, helping you get back to your activities as quickly and safely as possible. If you suspect a wrist injury, contact us for an expert evaluation and tailored treatment plan.

FAQ Section:

How can I tell if my wrist is broken or sprained? A broken wrist typically causes more severe pain, swelling, and visible deformity compared to a sprain. If your wrist looks misaligned or you can’t move it at all, it may be broken.
How long does it take for a sprained wrist to heal? Mild wrist sprains usually heal in 2-4 weeks with rest and immobilisation. More severe sprains may take longer, especially if they require physical therapy.
What should I do immediately after a wrist injury? Apply the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to reduce swelling and pain. If the pain is severe or the wrist looks deformed, seek medical attention right away.
Can a sprained wrist heal without a brace? Mild sprains may heal without a brace, but a brace or splint is often recommended to provide support and prevent further injury during the healing process.
What happens if a broken wrist goes untreated? An untreated wrist fracture can lead to improper healing, chronic pain, and long-term joint issues. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications.
Do I need surgery for a broken wrist? Surgery is only necessary if the bones are misaligned or the fracture is complex. Most wrist fractures can heal with a cast or splint, but your doctor will determine the best course of action based on the severity of the injury.