A broken wrist involves the break, or fracture, of one of the many bones in the wrist. According to MayoClinic.com, many people break bones in their wrists when participating in sports. In addition, those with osteoporosis, bone disease or calcium deficiency are at a higher risk for injury. An untreated wrist fracture may result in ongoing stiffness, aching, osteoarthritis, or nerve or blood vessel damage.
Falls
A wrist fracture commonly occurs from a fall on an outstretched hand, with the weight of the person landing on the palm, states the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). This occurs because the majority of the person's weight is then transmitted to one or more bones in the wrist that cannot handle this amount of force and breaks. A person who hears or feels a cracking or popping sensation during a fall should seek medical treatment. A doctor will perform a physical exam and likely X-ray the wrist to determine the extent of the injury. A cast may be needed to immobilize the wrist, but surgery may be required in more severe cases.
Sports Injuries
Athletes are prone to wrist fractures, states MayoClinic.com. Contact sports such as football, basketball and rugby can increase the risk of a wrist fracture because excessive force can be transmitted through the wrist with a fall, punch or push. In addition, skaters and snowboarders are at high risk because of the high frequency of falls in those activities. Using the proper technique and wearing the proper equipment in contact sports can reduce the risk of a wrist fracture.
Car Accidents
MayoClinic.com states that a high-velocity car accident can result in a broken wrist. This occurs because during an accident, forces can be transmitted through the car to the steering wheel that the driver is holding and into the small bones of the wrist, which can then break because they are not designed to handle this amount of force. A patient who has just been in a car accident should seek immediate medical treatment if he notices pain or swelling in his wrist, or pain in any other part of the body.
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