Ligaments and sprains
Wrist sprain
What is a sprain?
A sprain is a lesion on one or more ligaments without displacement of the joint (dislocation).
The lesion can vary between a simple elongation (mild sprain) to a total rupture (severe sprain), via tears in a few of the bundles (sprain of medium severity).
The ligaments link one bone to another to form a joint. They are composed of several bundles and are not very extensible.
When there is trauma (shock or a false movement), the joint can find itself in a position that goes beyond its natural amplitude, resulting in a painful lesion.
A mild sprain is also known as a "strain".
What is a wrist sprain?
A wrist sprain is a lesion to the ligaments that link the carpal bones to each other, or with the radius and the metacarpi. It can occur in everyday situations or in the context of a sporting activity.
The reflex to break a fall by using the palms of the hands can result in a hyperextension of the wrist joint. The ligaments that hold the small bones in place are subjected to stretching that goes beyond their natural limits, resulting in a sprain.
The sprain can also occur, although much more rarely, following a fall on to the back of the hand with the wrist flexed. Warning: a wrist sprain can sometimes be associated with a fracture of the scaphoid or of one of the other 8 small bones of the carpus (wrist).
Orthopaedic treatment
The aim of the orthopaedic solution is to decrease the pain (analgesia) and to heal the ligament. Depending on the severity of the sprain, the solution can range from strapping to immobilisation supports:
thermoformable supports made-to-measure and standard wrist or wrist-thumb supports.
The wrist is positioned in a neutral anatomical position, making it possible to obtain a balance in ligament pressure.
It is important to accept that the wrist be immobilised for a certain period so that it can heal in the right position. If this is not the case, the hand will lose its force.
Orthopaedic management can fit into the framework of a medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. In case of doubt, ask your doctor or orthopaedist for advice.
