If you have recently suffered a wrist fracture, you may be wondering how it will be treated. A wrist fracture can be a very serious injury, and it is important to seek medical attention right away. In this article, we will discuss the various treatment options that are available for a wrist fracture. We will also provide some tips on how to reduce the risk of suffering a wrist fracture in the future.
What is a Wrist Fracture?
A wrist fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in your wrist. It can happen when you fall, land on your hand, or put too much pressure on your wrist. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your wrist. You may also hear a popping noise when the break happens.
Wrist Fracture Causes
A wrist fracture can be caused by a number of things, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury. In many cases, the cause is not clear. However, some factors that may increase the risk of wrist fractures include:
- participating in contact sports
- having osteoporosis
- taking long term corticosteroids medication that increases the risk of bone fractures
- drinking excessive alcohol
- smoking cigarettes
Risks and Complications of a Wrist Fracture
Though most wrist fractures heal without any problems, there are some potential risks and complications that can occur. These include:
- delayed healing
- nonunion (incomplete healing)
- malunion (improper healing)
- blood clots
- Infection at the site of the fracture
- Bleeding into and around the joint
- Nerve damage
- Joint stiffness
- Reduced range of motion in the joint
- Loss of strength in the hand or arm
- Arthritis later in life
Wrist Fracture Diagnosis
There are several ways to diagnose a wrist fracture. Your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and order an X-ray to determine the extent of the fracture. Other tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be necessary to identify any associated injuries, such as ligament tears.
Wrist Fracture Medications
There are several medications that may be prescribed for a wrist fracture. These include:
- pain relievers
- anti-inflammatory drugs
- corticosteroid injections
- platelet-rich plasma injections
- steroid injections
If you are prescribed medication, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Wrist Fracture Surgery
Although most wrist fractures can be treated with immobilization, some may require surgery. This is typically the case if the bones are severely displaced or there is significant damage to the surrounding ligaments and tendons. Surgery may involve the use of screws, plates, or wires to hold the bones in place while they heal.
Therapy
Therapy is key to fracture recovery. Physical therapy is one of the most important aspects of a wrist fracture rehabilitation program. A physical therapist can help you regain range of motion, strength, and dexterity in the injured wrist. They may also recommend exercises that can be done at home to help with healing.
If you have a wrist fracture, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. With diligent rehabilitation, you can expect a full recovery and return to your normal activities.
Immobilization
If a fracture is unstable, meaning that the bones are moving out of place, the doctor will likely immobilize the joint with a splint or cast. This will keep the bones in place and help them to heal properly.
Wrist Fracture Recovery
The recovery time for a wrist fracture will vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the type of treatment received. In general, however, you can expect to be healing for at least six to eight weeks. During this time, you will likely need to avoid activities that put stress on the wrist. Once your doctor gives the go-ahead, you can slowly begin to resume your regular activities. Be sure to discuss any restrictions with your doctor before starting back.
Wrist fractures can be a common injury, especially among athletes. If you think you may have injured your wrist, be sure to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Can a wrist fracture be prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent a wrist fracture, but you can take some steps to reduce your risk. Make sure to wear protective gear when playing sports or engaging in other activities that may put you at risk for a fall. Also, be careful when getting out of bed or up from a chair – make sure to use your arms and not your hands to help you up. If you have any questions about how to protect your wrist, speak with your doctor.
If you have suffered a wrist fracture, contact The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice for information on how best to treat your wrist fracture. They specialize in treating fractures and other orthopaedic injuries and can help you get started on your road to recovery. They will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your individual needs.
The next time you experience pain, whether it’s short-term or chronic, don’t hesitate to try some of the techniques we’ve shared in this article. We hope you learned something new and will feel better equipped to handle your pain. Please share it with your friends and family and follow us on Google News for more good news on how to relieve your pain.