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Wrist fractures are known to be amidst the most common type of broken bones diagnosed by a vast majority of individuals under 65 years
of age. A broken wrist is typically described as an injury or damage to the end
of the radius bone, housed in the forearm, leading to fracture. Sometimes, the
ulna, another bone located in the forearm, may become fractured as well.
Several distinct sports, such as cricket, or specific occupations, such as being a carpenter, are associated with constant and
repetitive movements of the wrist joint, which progressively over time can result in complications from overuse due to the enormous pressure being applied on the
wrist. Despite these, motor vehicle accidents are among the most frequent cause for fractured wrists. Identifying a wrist fracture may require several sets of X-rays
but various symptoms could suggest damage or injury to the wrist
joint.
The first distinguishable symptom of a broken wrist is severe pain
in the wrist joint. The affected individual may experience severe pain, especially when flexing the wrist. Swelling around the joint, bruising,
tenderness, and deformity of the joint, such as a crooked or bent wrist, are also indications of a bone fracture. Some people may also experience
numbness of the hand, wrist, and forearm as the fingers may also appear pale.
Injury on the wrist can often times result in the median nerve becoming compressed, causing the condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. After suffering a wrist injury, the
mobility of the arm can be highly affected.
Applying ice therapy after identifying a possible wrist
fracture will help alleviate the pain and swelling at the start of injury. After, a
specialist may conduct X-rays in order to diagnose a broken wrist and determine
the type of fracture, whether there’s a small or wide gap or the bone has
broken into two or more pieces, and whether the fragments are separated,
partially joined or the fragmented pieces have been driven into one another.
The recovery time may vary for each individual according to
the severity of the fracture symptoms. After a wrist fracture has healed,
following treatment with a physical therapist will help the person restore the strength
of the muscle and gradually recover the mobility of their wrist. Healing takes
time and patience, and getting plenty of rest throughout recovery will help
provide overall wellness.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
