Wrist injuries are common, and distinguishing between types can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. This article clarifies key indicators of a wrist dislocation, helping you understand when immediate medical attention is necessary.
What Happens in a Wrist Dislocation
A wrist dislocation occurs when the bones that form the wrist joint are forced out of their normal alignment. The wrist consists of eight small carpal bones connecting the forearm to the hand. These carpal bones, particularly the lunate and scaphoid, are pushed from their usual position, often relative to the forearm bones.
Significant force, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand or a high-impact injury, typically causes this displacement. Ligaments, strong bands of tissue holding these bones together, may also tear or stretch.
Recognizing the Signs
A dislocated wrist often presents with noticeable signs. Severe pain, intense and sharp, frequently worsens with any attempt to move the wrist and may extend into the forearm.
An obvious deformity is another sign; the wrist may appear visibly out of place, crooked, or unnaturally bent compared to the uninjured wrist. Rapid swelling and bruising around the joint are common shortly after the injury.
Movement of the injured wrist becomes significantly limited or impossible, and any attempted movement may occur in an unnatural direction. If nerves are affected by the displaced bones, you might experience numbness or tingling sensations in your hand or fingers. Some individuals may also recall hearing or feeling a “pop” at the moment of injury.
Telling It Apart From Other Injuries
Differentiating a wrist dislocation from other wrist injuries like sprains or fractures can be difficult because symptoms such as pain, swelling, and limited movement are common across all these conditions. However, the degree of certain symptoms can offer clues.
A wrist sprain, which involves stretched or torn ligaments, typically presents with less severe pain and often does not involve the obvious deformity seen in a dislocation. While a sprained wrist can still be painful, some movement might remain possible.
A fracture, a break in a bone, also causes significant pain and swelling. However, unlike a dislocation, a fracture might not always exhibit the same pronounced visual deformity, though some fractures can cause visible misalignment.
A key distinction is that a dislocation involves bones being forced out of their joint, while a fracture involves a break in the bone itself. The extreme and immediate pain, coupled with a visibly deformed joint and inability to move it, are often more indicative of a dislocation compared to a sprain or even some fractures.
What to Do Next
If you suspect a wrist dislocation, seeking immediate medical attention is important. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the injury and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Until medical help arrives, keep the injured wrist as still as possible to prevent further damage. You can use a makeshift splint or sling to immobilize and support it comfortably.
Applying ice packs to the injured area can help reduce swelling and pain. Avoid attempting to push the bones back into place yourself, as this could cause additional damage to nerves, blood vessels, or surrounding tissues. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used for discomfort, but consulting a doctor remains the primary step.