Studies have shown that injuries to the wrist comprise up to one out of every four sports related injuries. Wrist and hand sprains often occur in contact sports such as football, judo, wrestling and tennis. They also occur in other sports like ultimate frisbee and in-line skating. Falling on an outstretched hand can also cause a serious sprain as well. A hand sprain occurs when one or more of the ligaments in the hand are severely overstretched.
Serious sprains occur when there is stretching or tearing of more than one ligament.
When you experience pain from a hand sprain you should consult your physician. The physician can determine the extent of the injury and prescribe the appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation for your particular problem. Healing can take anywhere from two days to ten weeks, depending on the severity of the sprain. Occupational therapists are an intregal part of the rehabilitation process when pain is associated with the wrist, hand or shoulder. Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, however they are primarily employed in hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies.