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How do I Treat a Wrist Fracture?

By D. Jeffress
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 14,001
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Any individual can fracture his or her wrist after suffering a direct blow, falling awkwardly on the hand, or succumbing to a disorder like osteoarthritis. In most cases, a broken wrist causes immediate pain, swelling, and a loss of flexibility in the joint. Doctors strongly suggest that people who suspect they have suffered a wrist fracture visit an emergency room or primary care provider as soon as possible to obtain a proper diagnosis and find out about treatment options. A physician can usually treat a wrist fracture by fitting the hand in a cast and prescribing medication to manage pain and inflammation. Corrective surgery may be necessary if bones become severely damaged or displaced.

An individual who suffers an injury can temporarily treat a wrist fracture by immobilizing the joint with a splint or sling. A splint can be made by using tape to secure any rigid object that reaches from the elbow and to the hand. Slings wrap around the shoulder and hold the broken wrist in front of the body at a horizontal angle. Keeping the joint immobile usually is important to prevent additional bone and cartilage damage. Medical care at the emergency room or a doctor's office typically should be sought to effectively treat a wrist fracture.

Doctors usually can evaluate the type and severity of a wrist fracture by physically examining the joint and taking x-rays. Professionals must assess the location and extent of the break before deciding how to treat a wrist fracture. They look for possible nerve damage and determine if bones have moved out of alignment. Oral anti-inflammatory and pain medications may be administered during the evaluation process to relieve immediate symptoms.

In cases of small fractures where the bones have not been displaced, treatment usually entails placing the wrist in a hard plaster cast or brace. Doctors take care to ensure that the hand and wrist are kept in an appropriate position during casting to ensure that the bones heal together properly. Braces and casts are usually worn for eight to 12 weeks, then removed for further evaluation. Patients are usually instructed to engage in careful home exercises or attend physical therapy sessions to regain strength and flexibility after their cast is removed.

Additional measures are needed to treat a wrist fracture that compresses a nerve or displaces bones. A skilled doctor can physically force bones back into place before casting the wrist. Patients may need to undergo corrective surgery if they suffer a bad fracture. An orthopedic surgeon can set bones in place with metal pins and screws, and repair tissue damage to tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and nerves. Following surgery, a patient usually needs to wear a cast for several weeks and will receive several follow-up evaluations to ensure the wrist is healing properly.

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Discussion Comments
By turquoise — On Jun 02, 2014

My son broke his wrist last summer, in two different places. It's called a comminuted fracture. He had to have surgery to realign the bones and then had a plate put in to keep everything in place. He also wore a cast for a long time. Recovery was long and painful, but thankfully he's fine now.

Most wrist fractures don't need surgery. But sometimes the fracture is very severe or the bone breaks and protrudes from skin. So surgery becomes necessary.

By ddljohn — On Jun 01, 2014

@burcinc-- You can't know whether it's broken or not without an x-ray. So I suggest that you go to the hospital and have it checked out. It may not be terribly painful in the beginning if the fracture is minor. But this doesn't mean that it doesn't need to be seen by a doctor and treated.

You should definitely apply an ice pack until you go to the hospital to keep the swelling down. Try not to move your wrist and arm. If you have triangular bandage at home, you can make a simple sling to keep your arm up and still. But make sure to see a doctor soon.

By burcinc — On May 31, 2014

I fell on my wrist today. Now it's a little swollen but not extremely painful. I don't know if it's broken but I think it would be more painful if it was. What should I do? Will an ice pack be enough?

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