What is a broken wrist?
A broken wrist, also known as a wrist fracture, is a common injury that occurs after a fall or strong impact. Often, you try to break your fall with your hands, placing a lot of force on the wrist. This can lead to a fracture of the radius. Symptoms such as wrist pain after a fall, swelling, and limited movement are typical.
What happens in a wrist fracture?
In a wrist fracture, the radius is usually broken. In many cases, this is a crack or break just above the wrist joint. As a result, movement of the hand and wrist becomes painful and limited.
Why does the wrist often break during a fall?
During a fall, we instinctively use our hands to break the impact. This places a significant amount of force on the wrist. This force can exceed what the bone can handle, resulting in a fracture. This often happens during sports, cycling, tripping, or slipping.
How does a broken wrist occur?
A broken wrist usually occurs from a fall onto the hand, where the impact is directly transferred to the bone. Wrist fractures also frequently occur during accidents or sports injuries. Factors such as osteoporosis, age, and previous injuries can increase the risk of a fracture.
Symptoms of a broken wrist
- Swelling of the wrist
- Pain when moving the hand and wrist
- Tenderness when touched
- Bruising
- Deformity of the wrist
- Coldness or numbness in the hand
How do you know if your wrist is broken?
A broken wrist is often recognized by immediate pain after a fall and difficulty moving the wrist. In some cases, there is a visible deformity or abnormal position of the wrist. For a definitive diagnosis, an X-ray is usually taken. If in doubt, it is important to always consult a doctor.
Diagnosis and treatment of a broken wrist
When a fracture is diagnosed, the wrist is usually placed in a cast. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to properly repair the bone. Recovery from a broken wrist often takes several weeks.
After the cast is removed, it is important to gradually start using the wrist again. A physiotherapist can help improve mobility and strength. This is essential for proper recovery of the wrist.
Recovery from a broken wrist
Recovery from a broken wrist varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the fracture. On average, recovery takes several weeks to months. It is important to gradually increase load to prevent complications.
Support with a wrist brace after a wrist fracture
After the cast is removed, a wrist brace can provide support during recovery. The brace stabilizes the wrist and helps you resume daily activities without overloading it.
If you are looking for a brace after a wrist fracture or want to buy a wrist brace, it is important to choose one that offers support while still allowing sufficient freedom of movement.
Benefits of a wrist brace for a broken wrist
- Provides stability to the wrist joint
- Supports recovery after a cast or surgery
- Reduces pain
- Helps with daily activities
- Provides confidence during movement
- Comfortable and easy to wear