Overcoming the Pain of Wrist Fractures | Treatment and Management

If you've broken a bone, the chances are that it's your wrist bone. A fractured wrist is a common injury, but that doesn't make it an easy one to diagnose or treat. Getting the right wrist fracture treatment is important to get your hand moving again.

What Is A Wrist Fracture?

The wrist joint helps to connect the hand to the forearm. A wrist fracture can indicate that one of the small (carpal) bones in this joint or, more often, that the distal radius, the bigger of the two forearm bones, is broken. The bottom end of this bone, close to where it joins the hand and thumb bones, is where it fractures the most often.

How Is Wrist Fracture Diagnosed?

A wrist fracture could hurt quite a bit. Pain, soreness, swelling, and/or bruising are all common symptoms. A wrist fracture can be identified by a doctor using knowledge gained from the patient, a physical examination, and X-rays.

High-energy fractures are often evaluated with a CT scan and X-rays to better determine the pattern of the injury. There are times when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required.

How Does a Wrist Fracture Happen?

When a person falls onto an outstretched hand, the wrist joint usually absorbs the impact, resulting in a wrist fracture, also known as a distal radius fracture. Athletes frequently suffer from this kind of injury, especially those who play contact sports like football or basketball. Yet it can also happen to anybody who falls, especially elderly people who could have osteoporosis-related weaker bones. Pain, swelling, and restricted wrist motion are common signs of wrist fractures, which can range in severity from moderate to severe. An immobilizing cast or brace, painkillers, and occasionally surgery are all possible treatments for a wrist fracture.

Treatment Options For Wrist Fracture?

Wrist fracture treatment depends on multiple factors, such as-

In order to support the wrist and correct the bones, a cushioned splint can be put on initially to minimize discomfort. A cast may be used to keep a set fracture in place if the fracture is not excessively unstable. In order to put the broken bones back together and retain them in the proper position, surgery may be beneficial for other fractures.

There are several devices that can heal fractures. Pins, screws, plates, rods, or external fastening can be used. The joint could be seen from the inside with the help of a small camera. Every once in a while, the bone is crushed so severely that even after realignment, there is a gap in the bone.

A bone graft may be added in these situations to assist the healing process. Your hand surgeon will review the options that are ideal for your healing and recuperation.

Recovery Duration

During your recovery, it's critical to keep your fingers moving in order to prevent them from getting stuff. After your fracture is healed, your hand surgeon will instruct you to begin moving your wrist. The recovery of mobility, strength, and function can frequently be aided by hand treatment.

Recovery times vary and depend on several different factors. Recovery might sometimes take many months. Some people may still feel stiff or achy even after that. Severe wrist fractures can lead to joint arthritis. Sometimes extra care or surgery is required.

Wrist fracture treatment can be quite difficult. Patients benefit when they are treated by the right orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery. At SBF Sports hand & Centre, our certified professionals can take care of all your wrist problems with the right treatment and care.