From a simple fall to repetitive typing or lifting at work, wrist injuries are among the most frequent musculoskeletal issues we treat at AFC Urgent Care Wichita.
Your wrists are delicate structures made up of small bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves — and even a mild injury can make everyday tasks painful or difficult.
Common Causes of Wrist Pain or Injury
Wrist pain can result from an acute injury or overuse. Some of the most common causes include:
- Sprains and Strains: Overstretching or tearing ligaments (sprain) or tendons/muscles (strain).
- Fractures: Falls onto an outstretched hand can cause broken wrist bones (commonly the distal radius).
- Tendonitis: Inflammation from repetitive motion — common in athletes, typists, and manual workers.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve, leading to tingling, numbness, or weakness.
- Arthritis: Degenerative changes causing stiffness and pain.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you experience any of these symptoms after an injury or repetitive strain, it’s important to seek care:
- Severe pain or swelling
- Deformity or bruising
- Difficulty moving or gripping
- Numbness, tingling, or cold fingers
- Pain that worsens or doesn’t improve within a few days
At AFC Urgent Care Wichita, our providers perform a thorough physical exam and offer on-site X-rays to determine whether your injury involves a fracture, ligament tear, or soft-tissue strain.
Treatment Options at AFC Urgent Care Wichita
Your treatment will depend on the type and severity of the injury.
We commonly recommend:
- Immobilization with a splint or brace
- Ice and elevation to reduce swelling
- Anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief
- Rest and limited activity until healing begins
- Referral to orthopedics or physical therapy if a fracture or ligament injury is confirmed
For more severe cases, we can coordinate follow-up care for casting, MRI evaluation, or hand-specialist referral.
Home Care Tips
After being evaluated, you can promote healing by following these simple tips:
- Apply ice 15–20 minutes several times a day
- Elevate your wrist above heart level
- Avoid heavy lifting or repetitive wrist motion
- Perform gentle range-of-motion exercises as advised by your provider
Preventing Wrist Injuries
You can help protect your wrists by:
- Wearing supportive braces during high-risk activities
- Taking breaks from repetitive work (typing, sports, or lifting)
- Strengthening your forearm and wrist muscles
- Practicing proper ergonomics at your workstation
When to Visit AFC Urgent Care Wichita
If you’ve recently fallen, twisted your wrist, or notice pain and swelling that doesn’t go away — don’t wait.
Our clinic provides walk-in X-rays, splinting, and evaluation to ensure your wrist heals correctly and you avoid long-term complications
