Wrist Bone Fracture
A broken wrist is a common injury. Having a broken wrist can mean a fracture on the bones of the arm (distal radius and ulna) or the carpal bones that make up the wrist joint. Often, people break their wrists trying to catch themselves and stop a fall.
A broken wrist can be very painful. You might need surgery to help your wrist heal, and severe breaks can take up to 6 months of recovery time. In addition to surgery, broken wrists are treated with splints, casts, and pain relievers.
Symptoms of a broken wrist
The exact symptoms you experience when you have a broken wrist can vary depending on how severe the break is and which bone in your wrist is broken. In all cases, bruising and pain tend to be the first symptoms.
Symptoms of a broken wrist are the same in both children and adults. These symptoms include:
- Bruising
- Severe pain
- Pain that worsens when you move your wrist or hand
- Pain that worsens when you grip or squeeze things with your hand
- Tenderness in your wrist
- Swelling
- Warmth and redness
- A bend in your wrist or bone protruding from the skin
