Question 1

wrist sprain or fracture? what are sympotoms?

Accepted Answer

Pain and swelling: After a fall type of injury you can injure your wrist. A fracture is a break in one of the eight small wrist bones. The thumb sided scaphoid is the most common to fracture and the most common to not heal. Any suspicion requires immobilization. A sprain is a stretch to a complete tear of the stabilizing ligaments. To miss this injury can lead to arthritis. All sprain need acute immobilization.

Question 2

how can i  determine between a wrist fracture and a wrist sprain?

Accepted Answer

See a hand surgeon: An xray and a good clinical examination should easily be able to distinguish between the two.

Question 3

how to determine the difference between a wrist fracture and a wrist sprain?

Accepted Answer

Swelling: There is usually more swelling and defomity and pain with fracture. If pain/discomfort increases rather than getting better over time, have it checked for a fracture.

Question 4

how do i know if it is a wrist sprain or fracture?

Accepted Answer

X-ray: Both cause pain and limited mobility, x-ray will tell us if you have fracture or not.

Question 5

how to tell difference between wrist sprain and fracture?

Accepted Answer

X-ry and follow up: If patient have fracture on the x-ray that is very clear , if have unclear fracture when you see him in about 2 weeks you see the fracture. Of course we apply splint on him in the meanwhile.

Question 6

can a wrist sprain be worse to recover from than a fracture?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Most wrist fractures can be treated with cast immobilizaton and
will typically heal in about 6 weeks. Sometimes with a sprain
one can develop different types of carpal instability which can
lead to long term problems like  arthritic changes. Swelling and
pain. So sometimes a sprain can be worse in the long run than a fracture.

Question 7

wrist sprain six months ago. leant backward on hand holding my son.clear x-ray day of injury. pain still and wrist weak. could it be scaphoid fracture?

Accepted Answer

Wrist injury : You need a follow up visit as sometimes a fracture may not show up on the first X-ray

Question 8

can someone tell me how to know if my wrist broken, fractured or sprained?

Accepted Answer

This can be: Determined by x-ray.

Question 9

how to overcome bsckhand/wrist sprain due to handstand?

Accepted Answer

RICE: RICE. REST- 24 to 48hrs. Avoid activities requiring use of wrist. ICE- for first 2 days after injury, apply ice for 15 to 20 mins every few hours. A bag of frozen peas is good. COMPRESSION- Wrap hand, wrist, arm w ace wrap. Make sure it is not so tight that it decreases your circulation. ELEVATE- elevate wrist above your heart.  Can prop on a pillow.

Question 10

i need to know if my wrist and elbow are fractured or sprained. how can i tell?

Accepted Answer

X-ray to be sure: Unless there is an obvious deformity you may not be able to tell the difference with the naked eye. While a sprain is an injury to the ligaments of the wrist, and a fracture is damage to the bone, strains of muscles and tendons are also possible. In any case, common symptoms may be pain, limited strength/ motion, swelling, and/ or bruising. Have an x-ray to be sure!

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Wrist sprain vs fracture

A member asked:

Wrist sprain or fracture? what are sympotoms?

A member asked:

How can i determine between a wrist fracture and a wrist sprain?

A member asked:

How to determine the difference between a wrist fracture and a wrist sprain?

A member asked:

How do i know if it is a wrist sprain or fracture?

A member asked:

How to tell difference between wrist sprain and fracture?

A member asked:

Can a wrist sprain be worse to recover from than a fracture?

A member asked:

Wrist sprain six months ago. leant backward on hand holding my son.clear x-ray day of injury. pain still and wrist weak. could it be scaphoid fracture?

A member asked:

Can someone tell me how to know if my wrist broken, fractured or sprained?

A member asked:

How to overcome bsckhand/wrist sprain due to handstand?

A member asked:

I need to know if my wrist and elbow are fractured or sprained. how can i tell?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?