A wrist sprain is a fairly common injury, especially when the wrist is suddenly bent or twisted forcefully. In this condition, the ligaments that support the wrist joint are stretched beyond their normal limits and may even tear.
In padel, wrist sprains typically occur due to impact or improper movements, such as falling with the hand used to support the body or experiencing excessive pressure when hitting the ball. The severity of this injury can vary from mild to severe, depending on the extent of damage to the wrist ligaments.
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Severity Levels of Wrist Sprains
Wrist sprains are classified into several grades based on the degree of ligament damage:
- Grade 1 sprain (mild). The ligaments are stretched but not torn.
- Grade 2 sprain (moderate). The ligaments are partially torn. At this level, wrist function may begin to be impaired.
- Grade 3 sprain (severe). The ligament is completely torn or pulled away from its attachment to the bone. This is a serious injury that often requires advanced medical treatment or surgery. If the ligament is torn away from the bone, a small fragment of bone may also be pulled off, a condition known as an avulsion fracture.
Signs and Symptoms of a Wrist Sprain
A sprained wrist usually causes pain. Other symptoms that may occur include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain when touched
- A “pop” sound or tearing sensation inside the wrist
- A warm sensation around the wrist
It is important to note that even wrist injuries that appear mild with minimal swelling may still involve ligament tears and, in some cases, require surgery to prevent long-term complications.
In addition, occult fractures (hidden fractures) are often mistaken for mild to moderate sprains. If not treated properly, these fractures may fail to heal correctly and eventually require surgery that could have been avoided with early intervention. One of the most common examples is a scaphoid fracture, involving one of the small bones in the wrist.
Therefore, it is crucial for doctors to evaluate every wrist injury, including those that appear mild, especially if symptoms do not improve. This becomes even more important when wrist pain persists. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent long-term complications such as chronic pain, joint stiffness, and arthritis.
How to Treat a Wrist Sprain Caused by Padel
Treatment for a wrist sprain depends on the severity of the injury.
1. Home Treatment
For mild wrist sprains, symptoms usually improve with self-care at home using the RICE method, which includes:
- Rest. Avoid heavy activities or movements that may worsen the wrist injury.
- Ice. Apply ice immediately after the injury to help reduce swelling. Use a cold compress for about 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin; use an ice pack or wrap the ice in a towel or cloth.
- Compression. Use an elastic bandage to help compress the area and reduce swelling. Make sure it is not too tight, as it may interfere with blood circulation.
- Elevation. Keep the wrist elevated above heart level while resting to help reduce swelling.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen may also be used to help relieve pain and swelling. However, if pain and swelling do not improve after more than 48 hours (2 full days), it is advisable to seek medical attention for further evaluation.
2. Nonsurgical Treatment
For moderate wrist sprains, doctors may recommend immobilization using a wrist splint to support the healing process.
Because prolonged immobilization can cause wrist stiffness, doctors usually also recommend gentle stretching exercises to help restore normal wrist movement. In more significant injuries, regular physiotherapy can be very helpful in accelerating recovery and restoring optimal wrist function.
3. Surgical Treatment
In severe wrist sprains, especially when the ligament is completely torn, surgery may be required. Surgery involves reattaching the ligament to the bone or using a tendon graft to reconstruct the injured ligament. The doctor will explain which treatment option is most appropriate based on the patient’s condition.
After surgery, there will be a rehabilitation period that includes immobilization, followed by exercises to strengthen the wrist and restore range of motion. Although ligaments typically heal within about 8–12 weeks, full recovery may take 6–12 months, depending on the severity of the sprain or tear.
Orthopedic Specialist for Wrist Sprains at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
For the treatment of padel-related injuries affecting the upper extremities—such as wrist sprains—Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is supported by an experienced orthopedic specialist, dr. Jecky Chandra, M.Kes, Sp.OT (K), CIPS, AIFO-K. With extensive experience in treating sports injuries, particularly among padel players, he has a deep understanding of the patterns and characteristics of injuries commonly affecting the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
dr. Jecky is a consultant orthopedic and traumatology specialist with a focused expertise in fingers, hands, elbows, and shoulders. He has extensive experience performing advanced orthopedic procedures, including finger reattachment following traumatic amputation and the treatment of congenital conditions such as syndactyly and polydactyly. All procedures are performed using microsurgical techniques, which require a high level of precision to restore optimal tissue structure and function.
dr. Jecky began his medical education at the Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, followed by a Master’s degree in Health Sciences (M.Kes) and specialist training in Orthopedics and Traumatology at the same university. To further enhance his clinical competence, he has completed various advanced training programs, including the Comprehensive Course in Musculoskeletal Pain Intervention and Regeneration at Precursor, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, and passed the National Certification Examination in Sports Physiology, earning the AIFO-K title.
His expertise was further strengthened after completing a subspecialty/consultant program in Hand, Upper Limb, and Microsurgery at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital in collaboration with Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya. He also holds an international certification from the World Institute of Pain (WIP) as a Certified Interventional Pain Sonologist (CIPS), obtained in Budapest, Hungary.
Practice Schedule of dr. Jecky – Orthopedic Specialist at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
dr. Jecky Chandra, M.Kes, Sp.OT (K), CIPS, AIFO-K is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Monday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Tuesday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Wednesday: 13.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Thursday: 13.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Friday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Saturday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
To make your visit more convenient, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter application available on Google Play and the App Store to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access complete information.
