Identifying & Treating Sprained Wrists In Children
Unfortunately, it’s a fact of parenthood that our kids will injury their hand, wrist or fingers at one time or another. While toddlers and teens are most at risk for these injuries, they can happen at any age.
So – whether your two year old fell climbing to get the cookies, or your twelve year old wiped out on her skateboard – you may be dealing with a wrist sprain at some point.
In this article, Oakland County board certified hand specialist explains the symptoms of a children’s wrist sprain, and discusses what you should do if you suspect your child has sprained their wrist.
What is a sprained wrist?
Ligaments are the strong tissues that connect the bones, keep them in place, and support the child’s joints. A wrist sprain happens when one or more ligaments in a child’s wrist stretches or tears due to a fall or other trauma.
The wrist contains multiple ligaments that can be injured when the wrist is bent forcefully or twisted beyond its normal range of motion. Unlike a strain, which involves injury to muscles or tendons, a sprain specifically affects these ligament structures.
While both sprains and fractures can cause similar initial symptoms, they differ significantly in their underlying injury. A break or fracture involves damage to the bone itself, while a sprain affects only the ligaments. However, Dr. Rehman emphasizes that because symptoms can overlap, professional evaluation remains crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Research shows that approximately 20% of injuries initially thought to be sprains are actually small fractures, particularly in children whose growth plates are still developing.
Statistics on Sprain Injuries in Children
Recent data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) indicates that sprains account for approximately 15% of all pediatric musculoskeletal injuries, with wrist sprains being particularly common in children aged 8-14. According to the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics, nearly 40% of these sprains involve the upper extremities, with the wrist being the most frequently affected joint after the ankle.
Studies published in the Journal of Hand Surgery reveal that sports activities account for approximately 60% of pediatric wrist sprains, with gymnastics, basketball, and skateboarding showing the highest incidence rates. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand reports that about 25% of pediatric wrist sprains initially go undiagnosed or are mistaken for minor injuries, highlighting the importance of professional evaluation by a qualified hand specialist.
Research from the Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review demonstrates that girls aged 11-14 show a slightly higher incidence of wrist sprains compared to boys of the same age, particularly in sports involving repetitive wrist loading such as gymnastics and cheerleading. The CDC reports that approximately 150,000 children visit emergency departments annually for wrist sprains, with about 30% requiring follow-up care from a specialist.
The good news is that, according to the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, approximately 85% of properly treated pediatric wrist sprains resolve completely within 6-8 weeks when managed by an experienced hand specialist.
Current statistics from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System indicate that proper diagnosis and treatment of pediatric wrist sprains has become increasingly important as youth sports participation continues to rise, with a 20% increase in upper extremity sprains reported over the past decade in children under 14 years of age.
How Do I Know if My Child Sprained His Wrist?
Symptoms of a wrist sprain typically include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the wrist joint. Many patients report a “popping” sensation at the time of injury. The severity can range from mild (Grade 1), where the ligament is stretched but not torn, to severe (Grade 3), where the ligament is completely torn. According to the Journal of Hand Surgery, Grade 1 sprains typically cause mild pain and swelling, while Grade 3 sprains often result in significant pain, instability, and inability to use the wrist normally.
If you suspect that you child may have sprained their wrist, look for these signs and symptoms of a wrist sprain:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Bruising
- Changes in skin color
- Popping Sound when child moves the wrist
Only a doctor or medical professional can determine if your child’s injury is just a strain, truly a sprain, or more seriously a fracture (broken bone).
Dr. Rehman will examine your child’s wrist and hand and ask about their symptoms. Typically, Dr. Rehman will also order an x-ray, an MRI, or a CT scan of his or her wrist, to see if the ligaments are torn or the bone is broken.
How Hand Surgeons Treat a Sprained Wrist
Medical treatment for a sprain depends on how severe your child’s wrist sprain is.
Over the counter meds such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be prescribed to help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. Do not give these medicines to children without direction from your child’s healthcare provider, especially under 6 months of age.
A splint or cast may be put in place by the doctor to help support your child’s wrist and prevent more damage. Do not try to splint your child’s wrist without a doctor or nurse, as it needs to be in the correct position to heal properly.
In rare cases, if your child’s wrist sprain is severe, surgery may be needed to repair the ligament. Arthroscopic surgery (using a scope that is inserted through a very small incision) can be performed with almost no pain and minimal scarring by and experienced hand doctor like Dr. Rehman.
Finally, physical therapy may be recommended. Our Oakland County certified hand physical therapists teach your child exercises in a fun and engaging manner, to help improve movement and strength, decrease pain, and ensure full restoration of mobility.
Top Oakland County Hand Surgeon
In Oakland County, hand specialist Dr. Uzma Rehman specializes in accurately diagnosing and treating pediatric wrist sprains.
If you or your child are suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Oakland County hand surgeon Doctor Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat conditions of the hand, wrist and arm.
Doctor Rehman will assess your child’s individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for their rapid recovery.
