A fractured wrist can be a very painful experience. If you have suffered a fracture, it is important to seek medical attention right away. There are a number of different treatment options available, depending on the severity of your injury. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common treatments for a fractured wrist. We will also provide tips on how to reduce the risk of fracturing your wrist in the future.
A fractured wrist occurs when one of the bones in your forearm (usually the radius or ulna) is broken. The fracture can be caused by direct trauma, such as falling onto an outstretched arm, or indirect trauma, such as an impact from a sporting event or motor vehicle accident. Fractures can also occur due to overuse injuries, such as repetitive stress or improper form while performing an exercise.
The type of treatment you receive for a fractured wrist will depend on the severity and location of your fracture. Most fractures can be treated with some combination of rest, immobilization, and physical therapy. In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary.
Rest: Rest is essential for healing a fractured wrist. Your doctor may recommend that you stop all activities and avoid using the affected limb until the fracture has healed completely, typically 2-6 weeks depending on the severity of your injury. You may also need to wear a splint or cast to keep your arm immobilized.
Immobilization: Splints and casts are used to keep your wrist in a fixed position and protect it from further damage. Your doctor will choose the type of immobilization device depending on the location of your fracture. Splints are usually made from foam or fabric, while casts are constructed out of plaster or fiberglass. Immobilization devices can be removed after your fracture has healed and the doctor determines that it is safe for you to start using the affected limb again.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is an important part of treatment for a fractured wrist. A physical therapist will provide exercises that are designed to strengthen your arm, reduce swelling, and improve the range of motion in the joint. They may also provide techniques and tips on how to reduce the risk of re-injury.
Surgery: Surgery may be necessary for more serious fractures, such as those that affect multiple bones or require the broken bone to be repositioned. Surgery can involve placing pins, plates, or screws into the affected area. After surgery, it is still important to follow up with physical therapy and other rehabilitative measures.
How Expensive Fractured Wrist Injury Is?
The cost of treating a fractured wrist can vary. Factors such as the severity of the fracture and any additional treatments (such as surgery) will affect the overall expense. Generally speaking, treatment for a fractured wrist can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the situation. It is important to have health insurance that covers fractures so that you can get the medical care you need without incurring a major financial burden.
It is important to take proactive steps to reduce your risk of suffering from a fractured wrist. Make sure to wear protective gear when participating in contact sports or other activities where falls and impacts are common. It is also important to use proper form when carrying out any type of physical activity and to stop if you experience pain or discomfort. Finally, make sure to warm up and cool down properly before and after exercise sessions.
Although fractures can occur from a variety of causes, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:
– Make sure to warm up before any physical activity.
– Wear proper protective gear when playing sports or engaging in other activities.
– Listen to your body and stop if you experience pain or discomfort.
– Strengthen the muscles in your arms, wrists, and hands through exercises to help reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
A fractured wrist can be a painful injury, but with proper treatment and rehabilitation, you can make a full recovery. If you think you may have fractured your wrist, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor can provide further advice and treatment options for your specific injury.
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