TFCC tears don’t cause loss of motion or swell. However, a fracture or other injury can accompany a TFCC tear if there is swelling.
Purchase a protective wrist splint to prevent motion until you know what type of injury you have. Make sure it doesn’t compress or squeeze the ulnar head (wrist bone). If you don’t have swelling, you can use a heating pad on the wrist, or alternate hot/cold water over it.
Consult your physician for an exam and to get an x-ray (depending on your location this may take 1-3 weeks!). While you’re at it get a referral to an orthopedic hand specialist. Yes, wrists are tricky little things. Believe us, it’s worth the extra step on your road to full recovery.
Radiograph Results
If the x-ray is negative >> continue with hand specialist referral. If the x-ray is positive >> the physician will recommend casting. Have the cast applied.