There are three grades of wrist sprain, with 1 being mild and 3 being the most severe.

There are many ligaments in the wrist that can be sprained. Wrist sprains can even pull off a tiny piece of bone (called an avulsion fracture).

Symptoms of a wrist sprain include pain, swelling, bruising and a feeling of warmth, popping or tearing.

A mild wrist sprain will generally improve with the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation) and anti-inflammatories. A more serious wrist sprain may need a splint to completely heal.

A severe wrist sprain my require surgery to fully repair the torn ligament. The orthopedic surgeon will reconnect the torn ligament to the bone or perform a tendon graft.