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Distal Radius (Wrist) Fracture

Distal Radius (Wrist) Fracture

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What is a Distal Radius (Wrist) Fracture?
  • The radius is the larger of the two long forearm bones that connects the elbow to the wrist.
  • A distal radius fracture occurs when the end of the bone, closest to the wrist, breaks. 
  • This often happens when a person falls onto an outstretched hand.
  • The distal radius fracture is the most commonly occurring fracture in the arm.
  • Common Symptoms
    • Pain, tenderness, bruising and swelling following an injury in the wrist and hand, particularly a fall onto an outstretched hand.
    • Stiffness or inability to move the wrist.
    • In a more severe fracture, the wrist may have an unusual bump or be positioned at an odd angle.
    • If the fracture is complex or offset, a surgery may be need to position the bone in proper alignment while the fracture heals. 

Common Treatments may include:
  • Depending upon the severity of the fracture or the degree of stability of the fracture, use of a wrist brace, splint or orthotic  or cast at all times until the bone has healed (approximately 5-6 weeks following injury)
  • If the fractured bones are so offset that they can not be held in stable alignment with a cast, surgery may be required to stabilize the fracture.
  • Following the immobilization period, treatment may include:
    • Regaining mobility of the joints that had to be immobilized during the healing phase.
    • Gradually regaining strength in the hand, wrist and arm.
    • Use of Heat and cold 
      • Use cold packs for acute pain or swelling.
      • Use heat packs to control more chronic pain or relax the muscles.
      • Alternating heat and cold (a contrast bath routine) can be particularly helpful following a wrist fracture to reduce swelling and improve flexibility of the joints.
    • Wearing compression sleeves or Isotoner gloves at night may help control swelling and provide a comforting, neutral warmth.
    • Modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation may reduce inflammation and pain.
    • Scar management techniques if surgery was required.
    • Techniques to reduce swelling such as using a compression glove or sleeve, electrical stimulation, use of cold packs, elevation of the arm.

Helpful Links for More Information
  • American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) - PDF Educational Handout
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) -Website Information. 
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) - 3 minute informational video.
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) - Website Information
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) - 3 minute informational video on bone healing and cast care.
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  • Home
  • TELEHEALTH
  • Hand Therapy
    • What does a CHT do?
    • Injuries a CHT Treats
  • Injuries
    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • CMC Arthritis
    • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
    • DeQuervain Tenosynovitis
    • Distal Radius Fracture
    • Dupuytren Contracture
    • Finger Fracture
    • Ganglion Cyst
    • OsteoArthritis
    • Tennis Elbow/Golfer's Elbow
    • Thumb Sprain
    • Trigger Finger
  • Treatments
    • Mobility - Range of Moition
    • Strengthening
    • Manual Therapy
    • Managing Swelling & Inflammation
    • Managing Pain
    • Managing Scar
    • Heat, Cold & Paraffin
    • Ultrasound
    • Electrical Stimulation
    • Iontophoresis
    • Education
    • Orthotic Fabrication, Splints & Braces
    • Therapeutic Taping
  • Exercises
    • Tendon Gliding Exercises
    • Finger Blocking Exercises
    • Finger Bending Stretches
    • Finger Straightening Exercises
    • Thumb Bending Exercises
    • Thumb Straightening Exercises
    • Wrist Exercises
    • Forearm & Elbow Exercises
    • Nerve Gliding Exercises
    • Computer Stretches
  • Blog
  • Store
  • Contact Us