We use our hands for so much throughout the day that wrist pain can be very debilitating. The most common cause of wrist injuries is falling onto an outstretched hand. This may cause the wrist ligaments or bones to become damaged. Some wrist injuries are classified as wrist sprains while others are considered a broken wrist. Understanding the difference will help you get the correct treatment from your Jacksonville orthopedic specialist. Contact our hand and wrist specialists to take advantage of their specialized knowledge and training in this area. (more…)
We use our hands for so much throughout the day that wrist pain can be very debilitating. The most common cause of wrist injuries is falling onto an outstretched hand. This may cause the wrist ligaments or bones to become damaged. Some wrist injuries are classified as wrist sprains while others are considered a broken wrist. Understanding the difference will help you get the correct treatment from your Jacksonville orthopedic specialist. Contact our hand and wrist specialists to take advantage of their specialized knowledge and training in this area.
What Is the Physiological Difference between a Wrist Sprain and a Broken Wrist?
The wrist is anatomically complex. A wrist sprain occurs when a ligament in the wrist is injured. Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that stretch from one bone to another. Wrist sprains typically involve stretching or tearing a ligament.
In contrast, a broken wrist occurs when you actually fracture a bone in the wrist. The wrist consists of 13 different bones, and any of these could be fractured during an injury. This could be as small as a hairline fracture in the bone, but a broken wrist can cause major pain.
How to Tell the Difference When Your Wrist Is Injured
Before your appointment, you may be able to distinguish between a broken wrist and a wrist sprain in the following ways:
- Range of motion.Gently attempt to rotate your wrist. In a wrist sprain, you may be able to experience the entire range of motion (although it will be painful to move the joint).
- Characterize the pain.The severity and intensity of pain depends on the injury. Generally, however, a broken wrist is described as an intense, sharp, stabbing pain. In contrast, a moderate to severe wrist sprain may be more of a throbbing pain. This is due to torn or stretched ligaments.
- Assess crookedness.When the bones of the wrist are broken, they cause the joint to look crooked or misaligned. In contrast, a wrist sprain results in swelling but does not typically cause crookedness. In very severe cases, a broken wrist may have bone protruding through the skin.
- X-ray.An X-ray remains the best way to differentiate between wrist fractures and sprains.
The best way to determine whether you’re experiencing a wrist sprain versus a broken wrist is to visit an orthopedic specialist. Our Jacksonville orthopedic surgeons can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the extent of your injury. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
The Difference Between Being Sore or Injured
After a particularly intense workout, it is common to feel some muscle pain the next day. What can be more challenging is distinguishing between soreness and an injury. Self-diagnosing workout-related aches and pains can be challenging. Visiting orthopedic surgeons can help you get an answer regarding the source of your muscle pain. (more…)
Tips for Exercising in Cold Weather
When it’s cold outside, exercising outdoors may seem like a last-resort choice. With the proper equipment and attitude, however, outdoor exercise in the wintertime can be a fun option. One of the best parts about exercising in the cold is that you often get streets, sidewalks and trails to yourself! Although slippery surfaces may make safety a concern, our orthopedic surgeons recommend taking the following precautions for winter exercise. (more…)
Difference Between Straps, Braces, and Tape
If you’ve got a sore, achy knee, you may think a brace, strap or athletic tape will alleviate the pain while you run or participate in your favorite athletic activity.
Depending on your diagnosis, these supportive devices can sometimes help. So what are the options available to you? Read on to learn more about the variety of braces, straps, and tape on the market today. (more…)
How to Help Kids Prepare for Orthopedic Surgery
Surgery — even minor procedures — can be traumatic for children. Children can easily become frightened and overwhelmed when they need the services of an orthopedic specialist. As a parent, you can take steps to lessen your child’s anxiety before surgery. Here are some things that can help. (more…)
5 Jobs That Ruin Your Feet
If you work a job that requires you to stand on your feet all day, you’re probably quite familiar with tired, sore and swollen feet. Other than foot pain, standing for long periods of time can increase your risk serious health problems like back pain, bunions, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, varicose veins, poor circulation and osteoarthritis in your lower extremities that could require the services of a foot or ankle surgeon.
And while any job that requires prolonged standing is bad for your feet, some are worse than others. Here’s a look at five of the worst and steps you can take to prevent problems. (more…)
Common Overuse Injuries
Athletes put their bodies to the test day after day, and sometimes the result isn’t too comfortable. Whether you are a dedicated athlete participating in high-level events, or you are someone who is doing their best to stay in shape and keep active, the bottom line is that injuries can happen to you.
While you might believe that it is the elite athlete who is putting in hours day and night to reach the height of their strength and ability, the average person is actually at the highest risk for experiencing an overuse injury. The reason for this partially comes down to preparation, but also technique during exercise. (more…)
Are Kids’ “Growing Pains” Real?
Many parents report that their kids wake them in the middle of the night complaining of limb pain. The idea behind these “growing pains” makes sense: as the theory goes, the process of bone elongation can trigger aches and pains in young children who are growing rapidly. According to our orthopedic doctors at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, however, the scientific research does not support the idea that kids’ “growing pains” are truly due to body growth. (more…)
How to Choose the Right Running Shoes
One of the biggest mistakes new runners make is failing to invest in proper equipment. While it’s true that running is an inexpensive sport — all you need is some footwear and the great outdoors — it’s essential to choose the right running shoes. Jacksonville orthopedic specialists recommend getting personalized recommendations and then visiting a local running store to achieve the best fit. (more…)
Common Orthopedic Conditions in Children
When you think of orthopedic issues, most think of concerns that develop with age—such as arthritis from osteoporosis, or overuse injuries that leave you with back, hip, shoulder or knee pain. But not all orthopedic injuries develop later in life. In some situations, even young children are exposed to chronic pain as a result of orthopedic conditions. While rare, these orthopedic conditions can interfere with proper development and may even impede bone growth. (more…)
