5 Common Misconceptions About Fractured Wrist Recovery

If you have fractured your wrist, you may be wondering how long it will take to heal. You may also have some misconceptions about what is involved in the healing process. In this blog post, we will dispel five of the most common myths about fractured wrist recovery.

You should take a fractured wrist seriously and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. The amount of time it will take to heal depends on the severity of the fracture and how quickly you receive treatment. Failing to seek treatment can lead to more serious problems such as arthritis or nerve damage in the future.

Here are five common misconceptions about fractured wrist recovery:

 

1. You Can Put Your Wrist Under Stress Too Soon

It is important to avoid stress on the wrist while it is healing. That means that you should limit physical activity and follow your doctor’s instructions for immobilizing the area with a cast or splint, if necessary. You should also avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities until your wrist has healed completely.

 

2. You Don’t Need Physical Therapy

Depending on the type of fracture you have, physical therapy may be an important part of your recovery process. A physical therapist can provide exercises that will help to strengthen the muscles and ligaments around your wrist and reduce stiffness.

3. It’s Okay To Ignore Pain

While some pain is normal during recovery, it should never be ignored. Follow-up with your doctor if the pain persists or worsens. He or she can provide advice on how to manage your symptoms more effectively.

 

4. You Don’t Need A Professional Opinion

If you don’t receive professional treatment for your fractured wrist, it may not heal properly. For example, if the bone hasn’t healed correctly, you could develop arthritis later on in life.

 

5. The Cast Can Be Removed Too Soon

Some people make the mistake of removing their cast or splint too soon. Doing so can cause the fracture to not heal properly, resulting in more serious problems down the line. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for when you should take off the cast or splint.

Here are 5 quick facts about fractured wrist recovery:

  1. The amount of time it takes to recover from a fractured wrist depends on the severity of the fracture and how quickly you receive treatment.
  2. You should avoid stressing your wrist while it is healing by limiting physical activity, avoiding heavy lifting, and following instructions for immobilizing the area with a cast or splint if necessary.
  3. Physical therapy may be necessary for full and proper recovery, depending on the type of fracture you have.
  4. Pain should not be ignored, as it can indicate that something more serious is going on with your wrist.
  5. Removing the cast or splint too soon can cause the fracture to not heal properly.

By following your doctor’s instructions and taking care of your fractured wrist, you can make sure that it heals correctly and avoid any long-term complications. With proper treatment, most people can expect to see a full recovery from a fractured wrist in 6-8 weeks. If you have any questions or concerns about the healing process, consult with your doctor for more information.

Are You Looking for a Sports Medicine Physician You Can Trust?

 

Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions.  Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!

 

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