There are many ligaments within the hand and can often be hurt during a fall on an open hand, or when the wrist is bent excessively.
A wrist sprain is an injury to the ligaments of the wrist region, including the ligaments connecting the carpal bones and the ligaments connecting the proximal row of carpal bones with the radius and the ulna. By injury we mean that the ligaments are partially or completely torn.
There are three grades:
- A mild overstretching of the ligaments, without joint instability.
- A partial rupture of the ligaments, with no or mild joint instability.
- A complete rupture of a ligament with severe joint instability.
Physiotherapy Treatment
First of all we provide modalities such as ice and heat in order to reduce swelling on the tissue. Furthermore, we also apply a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) in order to stimulate the tissues surrounding the wrist joint. Lastly we also recommend using Therapeutic Ultrasound in order to break down scar tissues around the supporting muscles. This modality also reduces inflammation around the wrist joint that causes pain and discomfort.
Our therapist will guide patients through exercise programs that will help the supporting muscles get stronger and they will also teach you manual stretches that can be perform anywhere in order to reduce muscle tension and fatigue.