About this topic
A wrist fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in the wrist. A wrist fracture can be caused by: ‚
- A fall
- A hard blow to the wrist
- Twisting the wrist too hard
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest your wrist. Your doctor may have you wear a splint, brace, or cast to limit your movement.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your arm on pillows to help with swelling. Try to keep your wrist raised above your heart.
- Wiggle your fingers often. This will help blood flow.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more x-rays. The doctor may need to remove your cast, splint, brace, or stitches. Your doctor may order physical therapy or an exercise program for you. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
A fracture takes about 6 to 10 weeks to heal. You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Limited wrist movement
- The wrist does not heal properly
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take extra care to avoid falling. Falls are a common cause of fractures.
- Use protective equipment when playing sports.
- Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. This will help keep your bones strong.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Hand or fingers turn blue, feel cold, or feel numb or tingling
- More swelling
- Very bad pain
- Cast, splint, or brace feels too tight
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my fracture.
- I can tell you how I will care for my injured area.
- I can tell you what I will do if my fingers are cold and blue or my cast is tight.
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Surgery of the Hand ‚
http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/WristFractures.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚