If you have taken a fall or had an injury to your wrist, you should be aware of how to tell if your wrist is broken or just sprained or strained. There are many bones in the wrist that can break. It is important to get medical treatment as soon as possible to ensure the bones heal in correct alignment. If you recognize the warning signs of a broken wrist, getting treatment quickly can help to reduce the pain, swelling and avoid serious complications. If you wait too long to get care, you may risk the wrist not healing properly and may permanently lose some function of your hand and fingers. Breaks to the bone that do not heal correctly can lead to arthritis later on
Common Symptoms
If you break your wrist you may experience a sudden pain that is sharp, stabbing and severe. The pain may be worse when you try to grip items or squeeze your hand closed. The area near the break may be tender to the touch.
Other Symptoms
A broken wrist may cause physical signs, such as swelling or obvious change to the shape of the wrist. Your wrist may be bent and your fingers may look crooked. You may also notice bruising near and around the break.
Additional Signs
After breaking your wrist, you may have trouble or be unable to move your hands or fingers. It may be difficult to grip and hold onto objects, and your hand and fingers may become stiff and lose range of motion.
Complications
A broken wrist can also cause such symptoms as numbness and tingling in your hands or fingers. Due to decreased circulation, your fingers may be constantly cold. This may signal nerve or blood vessel damage.
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