Overview
A broken wrist is a break or crack in one or more of the bones in the wrist. It usually occurs when a person falls onto an outstretched hand, and it can also be caused by sports injuries, motor vehicle crashes, or other accidents. Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, and an obvious deformity. If you suspect that you have a broken wrist, it is important to see a doctor immediately, especially if you have numbness, swelling, or trouble moving your fingers. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to poor healing, decreased range of motion, and decreased grip strength. Complications are rare but may include ongoing stiffness, aching, or disability, osteoarthritis, or nerve or blood vessel damage. Prevention tips include building strong bones through a nutritious diet, weight-bearing exercise, and quitting smoking; and preventing falls by wearing sensible shoes, removing trip hazards, installing grab bars and handrails, and using protective gear during athletic activities.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of a broken wrist may include severe pain that worsens with gripping, squeezing, or moving the hand or wrist, swelling, tenderness, bruising, and an obvious deformity such as a bent wrist. If you suspect a broken wrist, seek immediate medical attention, especially if you experience numbness or difficulty moving your fingers.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing a broken wrist include participating in certain sports activities and having the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis. Sports activities that increase the risk of breaking bones in the wrist include contact sports and activities that increase the risk of falling, such as football, soccer, rugby, horseback riding, hockey, skiing, snowboarding, in-line skating, jumping on a trampoline, and more.
Development
A broken wrist can develop due to various factors, including falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle crashes, and participation in certain activities like rugby, horseback riding, hockey, skiing, snowboarding, in-line skating, or jumping on a trampoline. A broken wrist occurs when one or more bones in the wrist are broken or cracked. The most common type of broken wrist occurs when people try to catch themselves during a fall and land hard on an outstretched hand. Certain conditions, such as osteoporosis, can also increase the risk of a broken wrist.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
If you suspect a broken wrist, you should see a doctor immediately, especially if you have numbness, swelling, or trouble moving your fingers. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poor healing, decreased range of motion, and decreased grip strength.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a broken wrist typically includes a physical exam of the affected hand and X-rays. Sometimes, additional imaging tests may be performed to provide more detailed information, such as a CT scan or an MRI. These imaging tests can help identify not only fractures but also injuries to soft tissues and blood vessels. It is essential to consult a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery if the broken ends of the bone aren't aligned properly.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Complications of a broken wrist are rare, but they might include ongoing stiffness, aching, or disability. Osteoarthritis, nerve or blood vessel damage are also potential complications. Nerve or blood vessel damage must be immediately addressed as they can cause numbness or circulation problems.
Prevention
Prevention of broken wrists is not always possible due to unforeseen events, but there are measures you can take to reduce the risk. Building strong bones through a nutritious diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D, engaging in weight-bearing exercise, and quitting smoking (if applicable) can help improve bone strength. Additionally, taking steps to prevent falls, such as wearing sensible shoes, removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars and handrails, and using protective gear during sports or athletic activities, can help reduce the risk of a broken wrist.
Home Remedies
Immediate medical attention is recommended. Home remedies are not adequate to treat a broken wrist, as it needs proper diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional. Treatment typically involves immobilizing the wrist with a cast or a brace and may involve physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility. It is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Treatment
To treat a broken wrist, immobilization of the affected bone is crucial. This can be achieved through the use of a splint or cast, which helps maintain the proper position of the bone fragments during the healing process. Keeping the affected hand above heart level can also help reduce swelling and pain. Medications might be recommended to manage pain, which can vary from over-the-counter pain relievers to opioids if the pain is severe. However, certain medications like NSAIDs may need to be avoided as they can potentially hinder bone healing. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an open fracture to prevent infection from reaching the bone. Monitoring progress with X-rays is essential, as there is a possibility of bone shifting even after immobilization, which might require further treatment like surgery. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions regarding medications, restrictions, and any needed therapies. In some cases, you might be referred to an orthopedic specialist for further evaluation and treatment.