Symptoms of wrist contusion | Bruise on wrist

Symptoms of wrist contusion

A bruise of the wrist leads to various symptoms, which can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Classically, a bruise is followed by pain in the area of the wrist. The pain does not only occur when the hand is under stress, but also at rest.

The pain is usually accompanied by swelling. The contusion injures small vessels, among other things, so that the swelling can be a bloody accumulation of fluid. An accumulation of inflammatory infiltrate in the tissue can also be the reason for swelling.

In the case of a bloody fluid accumulation, another symptom is logically also a bruise in the wrist area, which can be of varying size depending on the severity of the bruise. In general, apart from swelling and bruising, there should be no externally visible signs of injury from a bruise of the wrist. This means that the soft tissue should not be injured.

Another symptom of a bruise is the restriction of movement. Affected persons report that they can hardly move their wrist anymore. This is partly because the severe pain inhibits movement and partly because the swelling is a restriction.

In severe cases, a numbness may also occur. This can be an indication that nerve tissue has been injured or that the blood circulation is no longer sufficiently ensured. This can occur in the context of a so-called “compression syndrome”. Due to the swelling of the surrounding tissue, the blood circulation of the hand can be endangered, since the vessels are pressed by the swelling.In such a situation, the area must be relieved surgically to prevent reduced perfusion and, in the worst case, the fingers from dying off.

Pain with wrist contusion

Pain in case of a bruise of the wrist is a typical symptom. It occurs immediately after the injury. Mostly it is a throbbing and dull pain.

Depending on which structures are affected, the pain can also have a radiating character, especially when the wrist is moved. Especially in the initial phase, the pain occurs both at rest and under stress. Over time, the pain at rest improves, but if the load is applied too early, pain can still be felt even with light movement. An increase in pain can be provoked by strain. In general, the pain is caused by the swelling of the tissue in the case of a contusion, since nerve tissue can be compressed or a stretching pain can occur.