Wrist Fracture

A broken wrist is a very troublesome injury. It can take a long time before you’re able to fully use your wrist again. But what are the symptoms of a broken wrist, what causes it, and most importantly — how is it treated? We explain everything below:

What are the symptoms of a broken wrist?

Below are the common symptoms and complaints that often occur with a broken wrist:

• Pain in the wrist area, which decreases when the wrist is supported
• Limited or no ability to move the wrist (often due to pain)
• The wrist appears misaligned or out of its normal position
• Inability to apply force with the fingers or hand

What causes a broken wrist?

There are several types of wrist fractures you can sustain, including a Barton fracture, a Smith fracture, and a Colles fracture.
The Colles fracture is the most common type of wrist fracture and can occur at any age. A broken wrist occurs when there is a fracture in the radius, ulna, or both bones near the wrist. This happens when excessive force is applied to the bone. It may be a hairline fracture, or in many cases, the bone fragments shift out of position. In over 75% of all cases, a broken wrist involves a fracture of the radius and/or ulna.

What is the treatment?

If a broken wrist is diagnosed, the fracture will need to be immobilized with a cast. In some cases, surgery is required. After the cast is removed, physiotherapy can help with further recovery. During the rehabilitation phase, wearing a wrist brace is often recommended. A wrist brace ensures the wrist is not overstrained during recovery, which helps speed up the healing process. It also helps prevent re-injury.