Treating a torn wrist ligament isn’t something that can be done at home. Only sprains can be treated without the help of a doctor. Torn ligaments may require surgery to the bones or wrist ligament in order to decrease pain and restore function.
A torn wrist ligament, unlike a sprain, can cause progressive joint problems if it isn’t treated properly. Since they have the same symptoms of swelling and bruising that are characteristic of a regular sprain, torn ligaments may only be treated at home with ice packs before normal activities are resumed. A few weeks after, when the wrist stiffens and the pain becomes continual, the actual extent of the injury become obvious. There might also be a snapping or clicking noise whenever the wrist is moved.
Treatment of a suspected torn wrist ligament begins with a physician’s examination. In order to see the extent of the damage, an x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan will be taken of the wrist. If this does not result in a clear image, an arthroscope, or tiny camera, may be inserted into the wrist joint. Your doctor will also ask you about your previous health history and any injuries you may have had in the same joint.
The treatment used for a ligament tear in the wrist depends on the age of the injury. If your injury was diagnosed immediately and isn’t too severe, you may simply be put in a cast for a few weeks to hold the limb immobile until it heals. If it is so severe that some of the bones in the wrist are no longer being held in place, pins may be needed to secure them until the ligament heals—surgery may be needed to place the pins.
If a torn wrist ligament isn’t diagnosed for a much longer period, such as six months after the initial injury, a tendon graft may be needed to replace the damaged tissue. A piece of tendon will often be taken from the same wrist in order to perform this surgery. Torn ligaments that have remained untreated for years will have bone damage from only being held loosely by the damaged ligament, which can cause arthritis. Since ligaments cannot be replaced in an older injury, bones that are rubbing painfully against each other may need to be fused together to stop the pain, which may result in a partial loss of movement in the wrist.