1. Taking a Break
A wrist fracture, also known as a broken forearm, is the most common fracture in people under the age of 65. A fractured wrist often happens when a person falls forward and tries to break the fall by throwing the hands forward. When you fracture your wrist, or any bone, you will usually have severe pain and swelling. Your wrist may bend in a strange way, and you may feel faint and nauseous. Elevate the wrist and use an ice pack to reduce swelling. It's time for a trip to the emergency room.
2. To Operate or Not to Operate
Treatment for a simple broken wrist usually involves a reduction right in the emergency room, followed by a plaster cast. A reduction is a procedure where the doctor pushes the bones back into place. It's usually done under light anesthesia. Your wrist is then put in a cast. A more complex break means several pieces of bone are broken, or there may be damage to the joint. A complex fracture calls for wrist surgery, followed by a cast. Surgery can be done up to two weeks after the fracture, and it's often done in an outpatient surgical center. The surgeon may use metal pins or screws to hold the bones in place until they are healed.
3. Let's Get Physical
Physical therapy is often helpful after the cast is removed. Specific exercises and stretches will help you improve your wrist's motion and function. Most patient begin physical therapy shortly after cast removal. Although you can usually get back to vigorous activities within a few months, it may take about a year for full recovery.
4. Age Is a Factor
Wrist fractures are extremely common in the elderly, whose bones have become brittle with age, and in children, whose bones are still soft. Older people with osteoporosis, which is a loss of bone density, may suffer a specific type of break, called Colles' fracture. In this injury, the fracture occurs just above the wrist. Although a surgeon can treat and repair the break, people with Colles' fracture usually never regain full mobility of the wrist, and they may suffer chronic pain.
5. Strong Bones Needed
It's impossible to prevent all wrist fractures. For an elderly person with osteoporosis, even a minor fall can cause a break. But healthy bones will also break. A fall from a bicycle can easily cause a fracture. As a person ages, maintaining good bone health is critical. Regular exercise and getting adequate amounts of calcium are the best prevention when it comes to bone fractures.
