Sprained Wrist Specialist in Illinois
Welcome to Suburban Orthopaedic, your trusted partner in orthopedic care, serving Bartlett, Elgin, Schaumburg, and Downtown Chicago. If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain in your wrist, it’s essential to understand what a wrist sprain is, its symptoms, treatment options, and when to seek professional help.
Understanding Wrist Sprains
A wrist sprain is one of the most common hand and wrist injuries and one of the easiest to underestimate. Whether it happens during a fall, a workout, or a sudden twist, wrist sprains can cause lasting pain and limit your ability to grip, type, or lift objects.
At Suburban Orthopaedics, our hand and wrist specialists provide expert diagnosis, personalized treatment, and rehabilitation to help you heal properly and prevent long-term damage.
What is a Wrist Sprain?
A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments of your wrist are stretched or torn. This usually happens when you fall on an outstretched hand or experience a sudden force that bends or twists the wrist beyond its normal range.
Depending on the severity, wrist sprains are classified as:
- Grade 1 (Mild): Ligaments are stretched but not torn; minor pain and swelling.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tear of the ligament; more pain, swelling, and limited motion.
- Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tear of the ligament; significant instability and pain, possibly requiring surgery.
Common Signs You May Have Sprained Your Wrist
Many people mistake a sprain for a simple strain or even a fracture. If you’re asking, “How do I know if I sprained my wrist?” watch for these key symptoms:
- Swelling and tenderness around the wrist joint
- Pain when moving or bending the wrist
- Bruising or discoloration of the skin
- Limited grip strength or difficulty holding objects
- A popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury
If you experience severe pain, visible deformity, or numbness in your fingers, it’s important to see a wrist specialist right away to rule out a fracture or nerve injury.
How Suburban Orthopaedics Diagnoses a Wrist Sprain
The first step is a physical exam to check for swelling, range of motion, and areas of tenderness. To confirm the diagnosis or rule out a fracture, they may order imaging tests such as x-rays to ensure no bones are broken or an MRI to assess ligament damage.
Our team specializes in hand and wrist orthopaedics, ensuring you receive the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, whether your injury is mild or severe.
How Do I Treat My Sprained Wrist?
Treatment depends on the severity of your sprain. At Suburban Orthopaedics, your personalized care plan may include:
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments:
- RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Splinting or bracing to immobilize the wrist during healing
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
- Physical Therapy to restore motion, strength, and flexibility once the pain subsides
Surgical Treatment:
In cases of a complete ligament tear or wrist instability, surgery may be required to repair the damaged ligament. Our orthopedic surgeons specialize in minimally invasive techniques that promote faster healing and optimal outcomes.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery time for a wrist sprain depends on its severity:
- Mild sprains: 2–4 weeks
- Moderate sprains: 4–6 weeks
- Severe sprains: Up to 3 months or longer (with physical therapy or surgery)
Our rehabilitation programs focus on restoring motion, improving grip strength, and preventing re-injury, helping you get back to work, sports, and daily activities safely.
Same-Day Appointments Available
If you think you’ve sprained your wrist, don’t wait to get it checked. The sooner you receive care, the better your chances of a full recovery without long-term pain or weakness.
Suburban Orthopaedics offers same-day appointments for urgent orthopedic injuries, including wrist sprains, fractures, and hand pain.
Take the first step toward healing. Schedule your appointment today to meet with our hand and wrist specialists.
Request an Appointment
At Suburban Orthopaedics, our providers are here to help you. Set up an appointment today.