How to Treat a Broken Wrist
A broken wrist is one of the most common fractures, mostly because of the instinct to stick one's arm out to break a fall. In fact, a broken wrist is the most common fracture for people over the age of 65. While it is also one of the most painful types of fracture, due to the increased nerve sensitivity in the hands, a full recovery can occur when you treat it correctly.
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Instructions
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Treat a Broken Wrist
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Rest your arm on a pillow immediately after the injury, especially if you notice a numbness or deformity in your wrist. Use the pillow as a temporary splint to immobilize your arm.
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Apply an ice pack to help reduce the swelling. Avoid placing ice directly on your skin by using a clean towel to wrap around the injured area. Elevate the wrist if you are able to do so.
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Seek medical attention immediately. Usually an X-ray will be performed immediately to determine the location and severity of the fracture.
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Have your doctor determine the best way to treat your broken wrist. In severe cases surgery may be required. Usually, a splint or a cast is applied, immobilizing most of the hand.
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Continue to rest the wrist for several days after the splint or cast is applied. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to help you feel more comfortable.
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Inform your doctor if the cast cracks or breaks. Never use a sharp object to scratch underneath the cast--use soothing lotions instead. Avoid getting your cast wet by putting a plastic bag over it when you bathe. If you do get it wet, use a hair dryer to dry it off immediately. Depending upon the severity of the break, you may have to wear the cast for up to 3 months.
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Check online resources such as the eMedicineHealth website for additional ways to treat a broken wrist (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
A majority of wrist fractures involve the scaphoid bone, which is located below the thumb. Since the position of this bone within the wrist causes little swelling, many people think they have merely sprained their wrist and do not seek medical help. Find out more about scaphoid bone fractures at the Mayo Clinic website (see Resources below).
