Is It Normal Not Being Able To Rotate My Hand In A Certain Direction After An Accident?

Posted on Thu, 13 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 13 Feb 2014 Answered on

Thu, 6 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I was in a auto accident 2 weeks ago diagnosed with a grade 2 sprain. The pain has not gotten any better, today I noticed I cant rotate my wrist to the left at all, but I can to the right with no problem. I am still in a splint and have not been using the injured wrist as instructed. Is this normal not being able to rotate it a certain direction? Xrays were done but no fracture was found.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: Do not worry. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. Due to immobilisation some stiffness can occur and this can cause difficulty in rotating your wrist in particular direction. Do not worry. Follow the instructions given by your doctor. After healing of sprain and physiotherapy exercises, you will be able to rotate your wrist in all directions. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar