A broken wrist can occur as a result of a fall with outstretched hands or trauma such as a car accident. Symptoms of a broken wrist include swelling, pain and decreased movement in the hand and wrist. Depending on the type of fracture sustained, you may need surgery to set the bone and stabilize the area. During your recovery, you'll need to participate in rehabilitation exercises to regain normal function. Talk to your doctor regarding specific instructions following surgery.
Time Frame
You will likely need to wear a cast for a minimum of six weeks following surgery on your wrist. Your doctor may recommend you meet with a physical therapist within a few days to several weeks after surgery. Your physician may decide you should not begin rehabilitation until your cast has been removed. You will need to avoid most exercise until the removal of your cast.
Recovery
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, within one to two months after cast removal, you can begin light forms of exercise, such as swimming. Strength-training your legs may also begin. At this point, avoid putting weight on your wrists. It may take as long as three to six months until you can participate in all activities including skiing, football and basketball.
Strengthening Exercises
Your physical therapist may recommend strengthening exercises for your wrist as part of your rehabilitation program. You'll likely be told to perform sets of wrist exercises one to two times daily to build up strength in the injured area. A strengthening exercise example is the wrist extensor stretch. Start off with the injured arm in front of you with your palm facing the floor. Curl your fingers slightly and use your other hand to grab the injured arm. Push your arm down until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold the stretch for up to five seconds and release. Repeat 10 times.
Range-of-motion Exercises
Range-of-motion exercises help you regain the ability to move your hand normally again after wrist surgery. A sample exercise you can do is a ball squeeze. Hold a tennis ball in the palm of your hand with the injured wrist. Squeeze the ball as tightly as possible for five seconds. Release and repeat 10 times.
