Sprains are injuries to the tough ropelike fibers (ligaments) that connect bone to bone. If you have a severe sprain, your symptoms may not be much different from those you would have with a broken bone.

Causes
When you fall forward, your natural response is to put your hands in front to catch yourself. As you land on your palm, your wrist can bend backwards, stretching and perhaps tearing the ligaments that connect bone to bone within the joint. The resulting injury is a sprain.

Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a wrist sprain may vary in intensity and location, depending on the severity of the injury. Indications of a wrist sprain include swelling and tenderness in the wrist; pain at the time of the injury and when you move the wrist; bruising or discoloration of the skin; and a sensation of "popping" or tearing inside the wrist.

Wrist sprains are graded on the degree of injury to the tissues:

• Grade 1, or mild sprains, occur when the ligaments are stretched, but not torn.
• Grade 2 or moderate sprains occur when some of the ligaments are torn. Grade 2 sprains may involve some loss of function.
• Grade 3 or severe sprains occur when there is a complete tear all the way through the ligament. These are significant injuries that require medical or surgical care to ensure recovery. As the ligament tears away from the bone, it may also take a small chip of bone with it, resulting in an avulsion fracture.

If you have any doubts about the severity of your injury, seek medical attention. Sometimes, a sprain can have only mild swelling but still be serious enough to require surgery. To avoid problems later, proper diagnosis and treatment are critical.

Treatment
Mild wrist sprains can be usually be treated at home with the RICE protocol:

Rest the joint for at least 48 hours.
Ice the injury to reduce swelling. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Use an ice pack or wrap a towel around the ice or a package of frozen vegetables. Apply ice for about 20 minutes at a time.
Compress the swelling with an elastic bandage.
Elevate the injury above the level of your heart.

You may also use a pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen to minimize any discomfort. If pain and swelling persist for more than 48 hours, however, see a doctor.