A fractured wrist can be a very painful experience. Depending on the severity of the fracture, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for the bone to heal properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms and treatment of a fractured wrist.
If you think you may have fractured your wrist, the most common symptom is sudden and intense pain in the area. This can be accompanied by swelling and bruising around the injured area. There may also be a feeling of warmth or tenderness when touching the area, as well as difficulty moving your fingers or hand.
A wrist fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in your wrist break due to trauma or stress. The most common type of fracture is a Colles’ fracture, which happens when the end of the radius bone breaks and bends toward the thumb side of your hand. Other types include a Smith’s fracture, in which the broken piece moves away from the thumb, and Barton’s fracture, which is less common but involves multiple breaks in the wrist bones.
Often, a wrist fracture will cause intense pain throughout the wrist and arm. This pain can be felt even when the person is not moving their hand or fingers, as well as when they are touching it. Swelling and bruising may also occur in the area, making it difficult to move your hands and fingers.
Common signs and symptoms include:
If you think you may have fractured your wrist, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the fracture. Common treatments include immobilization with a splint or cast, medications to reduce pain and inflammation, rehabilitation exercises to improve range of motion, and surgery if necessary.
The bottom line is that a wrist fracture can be very uncomfortable and painful. If you experience any of the signs or symptoms associated with a fractured wrist, it is important to seek medical attention so that you can get the treatment needed to help your wrist heal properly.
By understanding the signs and symptoms of a fractured wrist, you can better prepare yourself if it ever happens. Although the healing process may be long and uncomfortable, it is important to take proper care of yourself and follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure that your wrist will heal correctly.
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!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com