Medically reviewed by: Mark A. Yaffe, MD, certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, subspecialty certified in hand surgery. Last reviewed: October 5, 2026
WRIST SPRAIN & LIGAMENT INJURY TREATMENT IN THE CHICAGO AREA
Wrist Sprain & Ligament Injury Treatment in Schaumburg, Buffalo Grove & Elk Grove Village
Dr. Mark Yaffe(opens in a new tab) is an orthopedic specialist with a subspecialty focus on hand and wrist conditions, including wrist sprains and ligament injuries. A twist or fall can stretch or tear the ligaments that hold the small bones of the wrist together, and a wrist that stays painful or feels unstable should not simply be ignored. Dr. Yaffe’s goal is to find out exactly what was injured and restore a stable, comfortable wrist with the least invasive approach that will work for you.
Whether you think you have a mild sprain or suspect something more serious, Dr. Yaffe offers a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and rule out a hidden fracture. As part of his broader hand and wrist care(opens in a new tab), he can see you quickly, uses splints instead of casts whenever possible, and offers surgical care for soft tissue ligament injuries when it is needed.
Dr. Yaffe takes the time to listen to your concerns and explains your options so you can decide what fits your goals. If you are ready to find relief with one of the hand & wrist doctors serving Schaumburg(opens in a new tab), Buffalo Grove(opens in a new tab), and Elk Grove Village(opens in a new tab), request your first appointment with Dr. Yaffe today.
Wrist Pain, Swelling & a Wrist That Feels Unstable
Signs and Symptoms of a Wrist Sprain or Ligament Injury
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough band that connects bone to bone. Ligament injuries range from a mild stretch, to a partial tear, to a complete tear that can leave the wrist unstable. Common signs include:
- Pain and tenderness: Pain in the wrist that is often sharp right after a fall or twist and gets worse with movement or pressure.
- Sprain pain can feel very similar to the pain of a fracture, so the two cannot be told apart without an exam and X-rays.
- Swelling and bruising: Puffiness and discoloration around the wrist that can appear within hours of the injury.
- Pain and stiffness with movement: Discomfort when bending, twisting, gripping or bearing weight through the hand.
- Clicking, clunking or a feeling of instability: A wrist that catches, slips or feels like it may give way, which can point to a more significant ligament injury.
- Symptoms that do not improve: Pain or weakness that lingers beyond the first few weeks.
- A “sprain” that is not getting better can be a ligament tear or a hidden fracture, which is one reason a persistent wrist injury is worth evaluating.
SPLINTS INSTEAD OF CASTS, HAND THERAPY & LIGAMENT REPAIR
Wrist Sprain & Ligament Injury Treatment Options
Treatment depends on which ligament was injured and how severe the injury is. Many sprains heal with non-surgical care, while a complete tear or an unstable wrist may need more. Dr. Yaffe’s options include:
- Non-surgical care: Rest and activity changes, ice, splinting or bracing, including custom splints made by Certified Hand Therapists, anti-inflammatory medication, and hand therapy. Dr. Yaffe uses splints instead of casts whenever possible.
- Treatment of ligament tears and instability: When a ligament is torn or the wrist is unstable, Dr. Yaffe offers repair of soft tissue ligaments, using minimally invasive techniques where appropriate. The right approach depends on which ligament is involved and on your exam and imaging.
- Minimally-Invasive Surgery(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe uses techniques developed specifically for the hand and wrist, with the goal of reducing recovery time and getting you back to work and sports as soon as possible.
- Sports Injuries(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe treats ligament injuries from sports and falls, and helps with rehabilitation and getting back to activity safely.
Surgery is considered when a ligament is completely torn, the wrist is unstable, or symptoms continue despite non-surgical treatment. There is no single right plan for every injury, and Dr. Yaffe will walk through your options with you. This page is for education and does not replace an examination, so an in-person evaluation with X-rays is the way to confirm your diagnosis and the best plan for you.
About your surgeon. Dr. Mark A. Yaffe is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his M.D. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic residency at Northwestern, and trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026 and a Chicago Magazine Top Doctor in 2025. Read Dr. Yaffe's full bio.(opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a wrist sprain?
A wrist sprain most often happens when you fall onto an outstretched hand or twist the wrist forcefully, which stretches or tears the ligaments. Sports injuries, car accidents and awkward landings are common causes. Dr. Yaffe evaluates how the injury happened to understand which ligaments may be involved.
How can I tell if my wrist is sprained or broken?
It is often hard to tell, because a sprain and a fracture can both cause pain, swelling and bruising. Some small wrist fractures can even look like a sprain at first. An exam and X-rays are the reliable way to know, so a wrist that does not improve quickly is worth being evaluated rather than guessing.
What is the difference between a wrist sprain and a ligament tear?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, and the severity varies. A mild sprain is a stretch of the ligament, a moderate sprain is a partial tear, and a severe sprain is a complete tear that can make the wrist unstable. Dr. Yaffe uses your exam and imaging to see how severe the injury is and what treatment fits.
How are wrist ligament injuries diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with your history and a hands-on exam, including checking tenderness, motion, strength and stability of the wrist. X-rays rule out a fracture and can show changes in how the wrist bones line up, and MRI or other imaging may be used when more detail about the ligaments is needed. This helps Dr. Yaffe recommend the right treatment.
Can a wrist sprain heal without surgery?
Most sprains can. Rest, ice, a splint or brace, anti-inflammatory medication and hand therapy allow many sprained ligaments to heal. Dr. Yaffe uses splints instead of casts whenever possible, including custom splints made by Certified Hand Therapists. If symptoms persist or the wrist feels unstable, he will discuss further options with you.
When is surgery needed for a wrist ligament injury?
Surgery is considered when a ligament is completely torn, the wrist is unstable, or symptoms continue despite non-surgical treatment. Dr. Yaffe treats sports and activity-related injuries(opens in a new tab) of the hand and wrist, including repair of soft tissue ligaments. He reviews the expected benefits and risks with you so you can make an informed decision before moving forward.
What can I expect during my recovery from a wrist sprain or ligament injury?
Recovery depends on how severe the injury is and whether surgery was needed. Dr. Yaffe will give you specific instructions for protecting the wrist, when to begin moving it, and when to return to work, sports and other activities. Many patients work with Certified Hand Therapists to regain range of motion and strength. Recovery timelines vary from patient to patient.
How can I get started with the best hand and wrist specialist near me?
At Dr. Yaffe’s practice, we want it to be as easy as possible to get started on your road to recovery. Just use our simple online appointment request(opens in a new tab) tool, and it helps to note how and when you hurt your wrist.
Get Your Wrist Injury Evaluated by a Hand & Wrist Specialist
Expert Orthopedic Care from Mark A. Yaffe, M.D.