Wrist Fracture

Wrist Fracture: Symptoms, Causes, Evaluation, and Treatment

Wrist fractures, also called distal radius fractures, are among the most common bone injuries. They can happen to anyone, whether from a simple fall or something more serious like a car accident. Fortunately, with timely and proper care, most people recover well. At Orthopedic Institute in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the team of orthopedic experts is skilled in treating wrist fractures with the best possible outcomes.

wrist fracture

Symptoms: What Does a Wrist Fracture Feel Like?

If you have broken your wrist, you will likely feel sharp pain right away. The area around your wrist might swell, bruise, or even look crooked. Other common signs include:

  • Immediate swelling and bruising
  • Pain when trying to move or bear weight on your wrist
  • Weakness in the wrist or the feeling that it is going to give way
  • Numbness or tingling in your fingers (in more severe cases)
  • The wrist may look bent or deformed

A common misconception is that if you can move your wrist, it is not broken. However, that is not always true. Even with some fractures, people can still move their wrists, though it may be uncomfortable.

Causes: How Does a Wrist Fracture Happen?

The most frequent cause of a wrist fracture is falling on an outstretched arm. Other causes include:

  • Falls: Slipping and landing on your hand is the most common cause.
  • Osteoporosis: People with weaker bones, especially older adults, are more likely to break their wrists from minor falls.
  • Accidents: Car crashes or sports injuries can also cause wrist fractures.

Orthopedic Institute in Sioux Falls, we see fractures from various activities, ranging from everyday accidents to sports injuries. Our team is equipped to handle all types of wrist fractures.

Evaluation: How is a Wrist Fracture Diagnosed?

If you think you have broken your wrist, getting evaluated is important. The doctors at Orthopedic Institute will ask about your injury and examine your wrist to assess the damage. They might use several diagnostic tools:

  • X-rays: These are the first step and can show if the bone is broken and how severe the fracture is.
  • CT Scans: Sometimes, X-rays are not enough. A CT scan may be needed if the fracture is complex or involves multiple bone fragments.
  • MRI: If the doctor suspects that ligaments or other soft tissues are injured, they might recommend an MRI.

You might be able to wait a day if the pain is manageable and the wrist is not deformed, but seek urgent care if the wrist looks crooked or the pain is severe. At Orthopedic Institute in Sioux Falls, we make sure patients are seen quickly and receive the right imaging tests.

Treatment: How is a Wrist Fracture Treated?

Wrist fractures can be treated either non-operatively or with surgery, depending on the severity.

Non-operative Treatment

If the bone is in good alignment, surgery may not be necessary. Non-surgical treatments include:

  • Casting or Splinting: A cast or splint holds the wrist in place while the bone heals.
  • Ice and Elevation: In the first few days, applying ice and keeping the wrist elevated can reduce pain and swelling.
  • Vitamin C: Taking 500 mg of Vitamin C daily has been shown to reduce the chance of nerve pain during recovery.
  • Therapy: Once the bone is healed, physical therapy helps restore movement and strength.

At Orthopedic Institute, our specialists regularly check the alignment of your bone through X-rays to ensure proper healing.

Surgery

If the bone is misaligned or severely fractured, surgery may be recommended to ensure proper healing. Surgery often involves:

  • Setting the bone: The doctor will realign the bone, sometimes without an incision.
  • Pins, Plates, or Screws: These are used to hold the bone in place while it heals.
  • Post-op Care: Similar to non-surgical treatment, ice, elevation, and gentle finger movements help with recovery.
  • Early Recovery: With surgery, you might be able to start light wrist movements sooner, speeding up recovery.

Orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic Institute are experts in performing wrist fracture surgeries. Many patients in return home the same day and start their recovery with minimal complications.

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Recovery: What Can You Expect?

A wrist fracture typically takes about six weeks to heal, but some injuries may require a longer recovery, depending on their severity. Here is what you can expect:

  • Pain Management: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen help, but sometimes stronger prescription medications are needed after surgery.
  • Therapy: Physical therapy is important after the cast or splint is removed to help regain strength and mobility.
  • Activity Restrictions: During recovery, it is important to avoid heavy lifting or putting too much pressure on your wrist.

At Orthopedic Institute, our team in Sioux Falls will guide you through each step of your recovery. We help you gradually get back to your normal activities.

Frequently Asked Questions