Do you have wrist pain? Do you have a wrist sprain or strain? Wrist sprain occurs when one or several of the ligaments of the wrist are stretched beyond their limits or torn. Ligaments are the soft tissues that bind the many bones of the wrist and provide stability and support and make up the joint capsules. Wrist sprains can occur in three different grades as follows:
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- Grade 1 – ligaments have become stretched but are not torn
- Grade 2 – partial tear of ligaments
- Grade 3 – complete tear of the ligament or detachment from bone
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Wrist sprains can cause pain and weakness around the wrist and hand and lead to difficulty with gripping, holding objects such as a cup of coffee and create difficulty with fine motor tasks such as picking up small objects like coins or turning a key to unlock doors and start your car.
Treatment for a wrist sprain can be dependent on the severity of the injury. This can involve use of use bracing to immobilize the joint and prevent further injury, avoidance of aggravating activities, surgical repair, use of anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy treatments. Physical therapy treatments can involve the use of various modalities to decrease pain and inflammation which can include:
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- Electrical stimulation
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Cryotherapy or use of cold packs
- Phonophoresis or iontophoresis
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Patients may also receive some form of manual therapies which can decrease pain and improve joint mobility and promote soft tissue healing. As a patient at Elite Physical Therapy you will also be asked to perform specific exercises to help with regaining wrist ROM and strength of the wrist and forearm muscles along with the muscles of the hand to improve grip strength and fine motor skills.
If you are experiencing any kind of wrist pain or have been diagnosed with carpel tunnel, contact us for a free consultation. To request an appointment, click here, or call directly to one of our three locations during regular business hours:
Cool Springs: 615-224-9810
Shelbyville: 931-684-0027
Spring Hill: 931-489-2022
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is intended to be informational only, and is not intended to be used in lieu of medical care. Consult a doctor or a physical therapist before attempting treatment on your own.
