Wrist fracture

After a wrist fracture, most of the healing happens between 6 to 12 weeks. It is normal to have aches and discomfort beyond this. This often happens when you try activities you haven't done for a while. It is also normal for the area to be more sensitive for several months after the injury.

What can affect your recovery?

There are some things that might affect your recovery.

Smoking

Smoking affects all your tissues and slows fracture healing times. In some people, it can stop healing altogether.

Stopping smoking as your fracture heals will help to ensure the best recovery.

Get help to stop smoking.

General Health

Some medical conditions, like diabetes, may slow down the healing process.

Eating a healthy diet and keeping yourself active will help your recovery.

Medication

Some medications can slow down fracture healing. If you have concerns about your medication talk to a doctor.

Anti-inflammatory medication, like Ibuprofen or Naproxen, has been shown to delay healing.

What to expect after a wrist fracture

A wrist fracture can be debilitating as you cannot use your hand normally.

Depending on the type of fracture you have, a cast may be put on the area or you may be given a splint. This helps to prevent movement of the area as it heals.

If you have been given a splint, you can remove it for hygiene purposes. For example, to allow you to shower or bathe.

If the splint is no longer fitting well please contact your fracture clinic.

Rehabilitation plan

There are things you can do to help your recovery after a wrist fracture.

0 to 4 weeks after your injury

Just after your injury, you should:

• maintain your shoulder and elbow movements
• keep your fingers and thumb moving by regularly opening and closing your hand to make a fist
• manage your pain and swelling

4 to 6 weeks after your injury

At this time, you will come out of your splint or cast. It is not unusual to be stiff when your cast or splint is removed.

You can start gentle exercises, as guided by a doctor.

6 to 8 weeks after your injury

As your injury recovers, you can begin to:

• return to full function
• resume normal day to day activity
• gradually increase the amount of weight you are carrying
• return to contact sports at 12 weeks

You can start exercises for your wrist once advised by a doctor.

Stop exercising if it makes your symptoms worse, or if it causes new pain.

Help and support

If your wrist function has not improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor about your symptoms.

Pain after a fracture

It is normal to have some discomfort in the areas around your fracture. The areas affected can be:

• other soft tissues
• nearby joints

Pain can change from day to day and it does not always depend on what you are doing. It is common to have pain at rest.

It is normal to have some pain even when your fracture has healed. Some people also experience discomfort in the fracture site during colder weather.

Your local pharmacy can give you advice on managing pain after a fracture.

Swelling after a fracture

It is normal to have swelling near the fracture site. It often spreads down your arm.

Swelling can sometimes last for months. The amount of swelling can also change depending on:

• your position
• your activity
• the time of day

It is important that swelling is managed well to help your recovery.

How to manage swelling after a fracture

Having a lot of swelling can become uncomfortable or limit your movement. To help reduce the swelling you can try to:

• raise your arm above your heart when resting by supporting it with pillows
• keep the other joints in your arm moving normally
• find a balance between rest and activity
• use self-massage to reduce swelling if you are able to, direct the massage from your fingertips towards your elbow

Bruising after a fracture

It is normal to have bruising after a fracture.

Bruising can be widespread and may appear a long way from your fracture. It can be very purple to start with and may change colour as you recover.

Getting back to normal activities

In general, you should pace yourself when it comes to getting back to normal activities. Only do things as you feel able.

Driving

You should contact your insurance provider before driving as your injury may affect your insurance.

Once you are out of your splint, the general advice is that you must be able to safely perform an emergency stop or manoeuvre.

You should always be in full control of your vehicle.

Work

Your return to work will depend on the type of work you do and your employer. It may be possible to discuss a phased return to work or changed duties.

You do not need to see a doctor to return to work.

Daily activities

Keep doing any activities you are able to, as your pain allows. Over time, gradually increase what you do.

Reduced flexibility and strength may make things more difficult to start with. This will get better as you slowly build up to all your usual activities.

Mood

Frustration or low mood after an injury is normal. As you get back to normal life this should get better.

Falls

It can be common for a wrist fracture to happen if you fall. It is important to know why you had a fall. It is also important to learn how to improve your strength and balance to help prevent falls in the future.

Bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weaker and can put you more at risk of fracture.

Fractures related to osteoporosis are often called fragility fractures and are caused by a minor trauma. For example, a small fall or bump that would not normally lead to a fracture.

Doctors may check if your fracture is caused by osteoporosis. This is normal if you:

• are over the age of 50
• have any risk factors for fracture

If you are worried that you may be at risk of fragility fractures, speak to a doctor. They will be able to offer you further advice.