When shaking a person's hand, the radius is the bone above the thumb that travels to the outside of the elbow. The term "distal" is used to describe a structure that is farthest away from the center of the body, and so distal radius refers to the portion closest to the wrist, rather than the elbow. Because the radius is a bone, it can sustain a variety of fracture types. For example, it can be displaced, which might require surgery. Hand therapy helps to restore the full function of the injured arm. However, do not do exercises without your doctor's permission.
Decrease Pain and Inflammation
Pain is diminished when the fractured bone is set and immobilized. Typically, a distal radius fracture is cast and immobilized for six to eight weeks. During this time, finger range-of-motion exercises can decrease the inflammation and prevent the loss of muscle strength in your forearm. One range-of-motion exercise is squeezing a foam ball in your hand for 12 to 15 repetitions, three times per day.
Increase Wrist Range of Motion
Immediately after immobilization, you will likely begin active range-of-motion exercises to regain the movement in the wrist joint. Sitting at a table, rest your injured forearm in front of you, with your palm facing up. Bend your hand toward you, keeping your forearm pinned to the table. Replace the back of the hand to the table, and roll it to the thumb side, then roll it to the pinky side. Flip your forearm, so your palm is facing down. Raise your hand off the table, keeping your forearm pinned. Hold each position for 30 seconds and repeat three to five times per day.
Increase Wrist Strength
To begin advanced strengthening of your wrist, stand with both your arms stretched out in front of you. With both hands, hold onto a wooden rod that has a light weight tied to it by a rope. The distance between the weight and rod should be about 1 yard. Griping and rolling your wrists, work toward winding the rope up so the weight is next to the rod. Unwind the rope by rolling your wrists in the opposite direction. Complete three to five repetitions, for one to three sets.
Retrain Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are small manipulations that require precision and steadiness. To regain these skills, practice activities that require precise movements of your fingers, such as writing, playing cards, picking up coins or buttons from a table, flipping the pages of a book or painting. Begin by practicing these activities for five minutes at a time. Progress to doing the activities for 10 to 20 minutes.
References
- "Rehabilitation Techniques for Sports Medicine and Athletic Training"; William E. Prentice; 2004
- "Trail Guide to the Body"; Andrew Biel; 2005
- "Get Yourself in Golf Shape"; Cindy Reid, et al.; 2005
- "Sport and Exercise Science"; Mark Adams Harcourt Education; 2007
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