Broken Wrist (Wrist Fracture): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of a broken wrist?

The symptoms of a broken wrist, or wrist fracture, can vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture. Common symptoms include:

1. Pain: Pain in the wrist, which may be severe, especially when moving the wrist or applying pressure to it.
2. Swelling: Swelling around the wrist.
3. Bruising: Bruising or discoloration of the skin around the wrist.
4. Deformity: Visible deformity or misalignment of the wrist.
5. Difficulty moving the wrist: Difficulty moving the wrist or difficulty gripping objects.
6. Numbness or tingling: Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers, which may indicate nerve damage.
7. Weakness: Weakness in the hand or wrist.
8. Inability to bear weight: Inability to bear weight on the affected hand or wrist.

If you suspect a broken wrist, it’s important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A healthcare provider can evaluate the injury, order imaging tests if necessary, and recommend a treatment plan, which may include immobilization, pain management, and, in some cases, surgery.

What are the causes of a broken wrist?

A broken wrist, or wrist fracture, can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Falls: Falling onto an outstretched hand is a common cause of wrist fractures.
2. Sports injuries: Sports that involve high-impact or falls, such as football, skiing, or skateboarding, can increase the risk of wrist fractures.
3. Motor vehicle accidents: The force of impact in a car accident can cause wrist fractures.
4. Direct trauma: A direct blow to the wrist, such as from a fall or a collision, can cause a fracture.
5. Osteoporosis: Weakening of the bones due to osteoporosis can increase the risk of fractures from minor trauma.

The severity of a wrist fracture can vary depending on the force of the impact and the condition of the bones. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect a broken wrist to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

What is the treatment for a broken wrist?

The treatment for a broken wrist, or wrist fracture, depends on the severity and location of the fracture. In general, treatment options include:

1. Immobilization: For stable fractures, a cast or splint may be used to immobilize the wrist and allow the bones to heal. This is often used for fractures that are not displaced or are minimally displaced.
2. Reduction: For more severe fractures that are displaced or unstable, a reduction may be performed to realign the bones. This can be done through closed reduction (manipulating the bones into place without surgery) or open reduction (surgically realigning the bones).
3. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the fracture. This may involve the use of pins, plates, or screws to hold the bones in place.
4. Pain management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication may be recommended to manage pain.
5. Physical therapy: After the initial healing period, physical therapy may be recommended to improve strength, range of motion, and function of the wrist.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and follow-up care to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Can you still move a broken wrist?

Yes, you may still be able to move a broken wrist, depending on the severity and location of the fracture. However, moving a broken wrist can be painful and may cause further injury or displacement of the fracture.

If you suspect a broken wrist, it’s important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A healthcare provider can evaluate the injury, order imaging tests if necessary, and recommend a treatment plan, which may include immobilization, pain management, and, in some cases, surgery.

Does a wrist fracture require a cast?

Yes, a wrist fracture often requires a cast or splint to immobilize the wrist and allow the bones to heal properly. The type of cast or splint used depends on the severity and location of the fracture.

For stable fractures that are not displaced or are minimally displaced, a cast or splint may be used to immobilize the wrist and allow the bones to heal. This helps prevent further injury and allows the bones to align properly as they heal.

For more severe fractures that are displaced or unstable, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones. In these cases, a cast or splint may be used after surgery to support the wrist and promote healing.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and follow-up care to ensure proper healing of a wrist fracture.