The wrist is a complex structure made of eight small carpal bones and two forearm bones, the radius and ulna. These bones form multiple joints, enabling a wide range of hand and wrist movements. A wrist fracture occurs when one or more of these ten bones break or crack. Wrist fractures are common injuries.
Recognizing the Signs
Severe, persistent pain is a primary indicator of a possible wrist fracture, especially if it worsens with movement. The injured area often develops swelling and tenderness. Bruising around the wrist or hand may also appear, signaling internal bleeding.
A visible deformity or crooked appearance of the wrist suggests a fracture, particularly if the bone appears displaced. There is often limited range of motion or an inability to move the wrist and hand. Numbness or tingling in the fingers may also occur, indicating nerve involvement.
While a sprain damages ligaments, a fracture directly impacts bones, often causing more severe symptoms. A distinct “crack” sound at the time of injury can point to a fracture, while a “pop” might indicate a sprain. Both injuries cause pain, swelling, and bruising, but deformity or significant loss of function often differentiates a fracture from a sprain.
When to Seek Medical Care
Any suspected wrist fracture warrants immediate medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment. Before seeing a healthcare provider, gently immobilize the injured wrist to prevent further damage. This can be done using a makeshift splint, like a rolled-up newspaper, or by supporting the arm in a sling.
Applying a cold compress or ice pack, wrapped in a cloth, to the injured area helps reduce swelling and discomfort. Elevating the hand above heart level also helps reduce swelling. These initial steps are temporary measures to provide relief until professional medical attention is obtained.
Delaying diagnosis and treatment can lead to complications. These may include improper bone healing, persistent pain, or a permanent decrease in the wrist’s range of motion and grip strength. Prompt medical care is especially important if pain is severe, a noticeable deformity is present, or numbness or tingling occurs.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
At the doctor’s office, a medical professional will conduct a physical examination of the wrist, assessing tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. They will also inquire about the injury’s circumstances and your medical history. This initial assessment helps guide the diagnostic process.
The primary diagnostic tool for a suspected wrist fracture is an X-ray, which provides images of the bones to confirm a break and determine its type and location. In more complex cases, or if X-rays are inconclusive, a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used. These advanced imaging techniques offer more detailed views of bone fragments and associated soft tissue injuries.
Treatment approaches vary based on the fracture’s severity and location. Many fractures are treated with immobilization using a cast or splint to allow bones to heal in proper alignment. If bone fragments are displaced, a procedure called reduction may be performed to realign them, either non-surgically or, for severe cases, through surgery. Surgical intervention might involve plates, screws, or pins to stabilize the bones.
Following initial treatment, rehabilitation is often part of recovery. Physical therapy exercises help restore motion, strength, and function to the wrist and hand. The recovery period can range from several weeks to several months, depending on the injury’s nature and the treatment method used.