Wrist Sprain Injury

Patient information leaflet

Overview

• You have a wrist sprain. The X-ray showed that your wrist is not broken.
• The injury has stretched or irritated the ligaments around your wrist.
• Ligaments are strong bands that help hold your wrist together. Because of this, moving your wrist may hurt.
• Pain and swelling are normal. They may take several weeks to get better.

Futura splint

• The splint is held on with Velcro straps and can be taken off when needed.
• You can watch our video, ‘Living with your Futura Splint’: https://www.whittington.nhs.uk/VFC, for help on how to use it.
• To help your wrist heal, you should rest it, keep it raised up, use ice, and take anti-inflammatory medicine (like ibuprofen).
• Only take this medication if the hospital says it is safe for you.
• Avoid contact sports, heavy lifting, and driving until you can move your wrist without pain.

What happens next?

• If your wrist is still painful after two weeks, please contact the clinic (see contact details at the end of this leaflet). We can arrange an appointment to check how it is healing.
• If you need advice about driving, please look at the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) website.
• We also have information leaflets and videos that give more help and advice about looking after your injury. Scan the QR code below for more information.

Contact our service

• Our outpatient clinics run between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. If you have any concerns or problems during these times, please contact:
  Clinic 1B, Whittington Hospital, Magdala Avenue, London N19 5NF
  The Fracture clinic: 020 7288 3799 or 5659
  The Plaster room: 020 7288 5668
• Contact the Emergency Department at any other time on 020 7288 3304.