A dislocated wrist occurs when the bones that make up the wrist joint are forced out of their normal alignment. The wrist is composed of eight small carpal bones, along with the ends of the forearm bones, the radius and ulna. This displacement, often due to significant force or trauma, results in a dislocation that can be quite painful and affect the wrist’s ability to function properly.
Distinct Sensations and Visible Signs
An immediate, intense pain is typically the first sensation experienced with a dislocated wrist, often worsening with any attempt to move it. This pain can also radiate into the forearm. Beyond the acute pain, individuals often describe a feeling of instability or “looseness” within the wrist joint.
At the moment of injury, some people might hear or feel a distinct “pop” or “snap” as the bones shift out of place. This sensation is often accompanied by a feeling that the wrist is “out of place.” Following the injury, visible signs such as immediate swelling around the wrist are common.
Bruising or discoloration of the skin around the affected area can develop shortly after the injury. A noticeable deformity or an unnatural angle of the wrist is a strong indicator of a dislocation.
Immediate Actions and Accompanying Symptoms
If a dislocated wrist is suspected, seeking immediate medical attention is a recommended first step. Prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider is important to confirm the diagnosis and prevent potential complications. While waiting for medical help, it is advisable to keep the wrist as still as possible to avoid further injury.
Applying ice to the injured wrist can help reduce swelling and manage pain. This can be done for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, every one to two hours, for the first few days, ensuring a thin cloth is placed between the ice and the skin. Elevating the wrist above heart level, such as by propping it on pillows, can also help minimize swelling.
Other symptoms that may accompany a dislocated wrist and suggest nerve or blood vessel involvement include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers. Specifically, if the lunate bone is dislocated, it may press against nerves in the wrist, causing tingling or numbness, particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. An inability to move the fingers or the wrist freely without severe pain is another concerning symptom.