How to Care for a Wrist Fracture
A wrist fracture is a common form of bone injury in the elderly and in children. Elderly are susceptible due to bone brittleness attributed to age, while young children have softer bones that are more prone to snapping. It is a painful experience and it may take several months for an individual to regain his or her full wrist mobility and strength. Learn how to care for a wrist fracture, including stretching and strengthening techniques, to help you recover as quickly as possible.
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Instructions
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Practice first aid if a wrist injury occurs. Place the wrist in a sling to keep it elevated, and apply an ice pack over the wrist area to reduce swelling. Go to an emergency medical center immediately for assistance and inspection.
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Get diagnosed. A fractured wrist is often the result of a fall or similar accident and is typically misdiagnosed as a wrist sprain. Common symptoms pointing toward a fracture rather than a sprain include severe swelling, numbness of the forearm and pain that doesn't go away. Your doctor will take an X-ray to determine if it is a wrist fracture.
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Wear a splint or cast after having the broken bones realigned through either surgery or physical manipulation of the bones. Typically, individuals must wear the support for six to eight weeks. During this time, your doctor will X-ray your wrist weekly to ensure the bones are healing in proper alignment.
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Do stretching exercises after having the cast or splint removed. This slowly returns function to the wrist area and relaxes tension in the muscles around the injured area. Stretch your wrist's range of motion. Bend it forward for five seconds, then relax for five seconds, then bend it backward for five seconds. Repeat 10 times.
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Stretch the wrist further by using your other hand and pressing the back of the recovering hand down for 30 seconds. Stretch in the opposite direction by pushing the inside of your palm up for 30 seconds. Repeat three times.
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Stretch your forearm to test its pronation, as it may have become tight after being immobile in your cast or splint. Bend the elbow to a 90-degree right angle. Turn your hand palm-up for five seconds, and then palm-down for five seconds. Repeat 10 times.
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Do strengthening exercises for your wrist after you are able to stretch and complete steps 3 through 5 without experiencing pain. This helps strengthen the weakened wrist joint and protect against future injuries to the area. Hold a can of vegetables in your hand with the back of your hand pointing toward the ground. Move the hand up to bend your wrist, then lower to its original position. Repeat 10 times. Turn your hand over so the back of your hand is facing the ceiling while still holding the can. Bend the wrist upward and then back down. Repeat 10 times.
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Wear a wrist splint when not stretching or strengthening your wrist joint if you are worried about re-fracturing the joint, or if your bones are weak enough that your doctor deems a brace necessary. A brace can be obtained from most pharmacies and drug stores.
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Tips & Warnings
A broken wrist can point to problems with your bone health and density. Talk to your doctor about bone-strengthening techniques such as lifestyle changes and calcium supplementation.
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