A sprained wrist typically occurs after a fall on an outstretched hand stretches or tears the ligaments of the wrist.

Any injury occurring at the end of a long bone near a joint may injure the growth plate (physis) and needs to be evaluated.

Consult a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: pain, tenderness, and swelling around the wrist; redness, warmth, or bruising around the wrist; limited range of motion in the joint; and a dull deep ache in the wrist.