How to know if i have sprained my hand/wrist?

Wrist sprain: Usually swelling and pain. Mostly between the bones. Usually from a recent injury.

Injured wrist: Can be a sprain that may only need a splint to a more complex injury. How do you know . Well short if completing a residency in orthopedic surgery or a fellowship in hand or a related field .... You won't .... But swelling is a sign if an injury as the presence or absence of pain, loss of motion. Often with negative x-rays we say "sprain" but beware as ligament injury can be serious in the wris.