A broken wrist, also known as a wrist fracture, is a common injury that can significantly impact daily activities and physical pursuits. The wrist is a complex joint composed of eight carpal bones, along with the two forearm bones, the radius and ulna. Fractures often occur when attempting to break a fall by landing on an outstretched hand, or through sports injuries and car accidents. Recovery from a broken wrist is a progressive journey, requiring patience and a structured approach to regain full function and strength.
The Initial Healing Phase and Immobilization
Immediately following a wrist fracture, the primary goal is to stabilize the broken bones to allow for proper healing. This initial phase involves immobilization using a cast, splint, or brace. The purpose of this device is to hold the bone fragments in correct alignment, preventing movement that could disrupt the process of bone repair.
This period of restricted movement, often lasting between four to six weeks, is important for the bone to knit back together. During this time, the body initiates a biological process where a soft callus forms at the fracture site, gradually hardening into new bone. While the wrist itself is immobilized, a healthcare provider may advise gentle movement of the fingers, elbow, and shoulder to prevent stiffness in these adjacent joints.
Gradual Resumption of Movement and Early Exercises
Once the immobilization device is removed, after several weeks, the wrist will likely feel stiff and possibly swollen due to prolonged inactivity. The focus shifts to restoring the wrist’s range of motion and reducing stiffness through gentle, non-weight-bearing exercises, aiming to gradually increase flexibility.
Exercises include wrist flexion (bending the hand down towards the forearm) and extension (bending the hand back upwards). Gentle wrist circles, both clockwise and counterclockwise, also help improve mobility. Another exercise involves tilting the wrist side-to-side, known as radial and ulnar deviation. These movements should be performed slowly and within a pain-free range, as discomfort past a tolerable point indicates the need to reduce the range of motion.
Progressive Strengthening and Return to Activity
As range of motion improves and pain subsides, the next phase of rehabilitation focuses on building strength and endurance in the wrist and surrounding forearm muscles. This begins around six weeks after cast removal, once the orthopaedic doctor confirms it is safe to proceed. Strengthening exercises introduce light resistance to gradually challenge the healing bone and muscles.
Examples of progressive exercises include holding a light weight, such as a can of beans (around 400-500g), and slowly lifting and lowering it through wrist flexion and extension. Grip strengthening can be achieved by squeezing a tennis or stress ball for short durations, repeating this action multiple times. Wall push-ups, where hands are placed on a wall and the body is slowly lowered, also help reintroduce gradual weight-bearing to the wrist. A phased return to daily activities, hobbies, and sports is recommended, with professional guidance often provided by a physical therapist to ensure proper progression and technique.
Factors Influencing Recovery and When to Consult a Professional
The recovery timeline for a broken wrist is not uniform and can range from six weeks to several months, influenced by various individual factors. The specific type and severity of the fracture, such as whether it extends into the joint or involves multiple bone pieces, can affect healing time. A person’s age and overall health, including conditions like osteoporosis, also play a role in how quickly the bone repairs itself. Adherence to the rehabilitation program is also a significant determinant of recovery success.
It is important to monitor the recovery process and be aware of signs that warrant professional medical consultation. Persistent or worsening pain, increased swelling, numbness or tingling in the fingers, or a noticeable decrease in range of motion should prompt a visit to a doctor or physical therapist. These symptoms could indicate complications such as nerve damage, improper healing (malunion or nonunion), or the development of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis, which require further evaluation.