Advice after a wrist fracture - Royal United Hospital
Advice after breaking your
wrist
Fracture Clinic Patient Information Leaflet
Your injury
A fracture is the same as a break in the bone. The wrist joint is made up of your
forearm bones (the radius and the ulna) and hand bones (the carpal bones). You
have a break of your radius and/or ulna. This is a common fracture.
The common symptoms following this type
of fracture include:
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Pain straight after an injury
Swelling
Bruising
Difficulty moving the wrist and hand
Deformity at the site of injury
Your treatment plan
The team looking after you has made the decision to manage your broken wrist in
a plaster cast or splint whilst the bones heal. If required, you will be given an
appointment to return to fracture clinic for follow up. The wrist will be in the plaster
cast or splint for 6 to 8 weeks.
Occasionally, the fracture may lose its position in plaster. In some cases this may
result in your needing an operation. The team treating you will discuss this with
you should this be required.
Advice after a wrist fracture
What should I do at home?
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Use over the counter pain killers as required.
Elevate the injured arm in a sling, or on pillows at night.
You should not drive whilst in a cast or splint.
You can return to work once you are able to do your normal duties.
How long will it take to heal?
Most fractures heal without any problems in six to twelve weeks. However, it may
take six to nine months for your symptoms to settle ¨C these can include pain or
discomfort, stiffness, decreased strength, and swelling. The bones may take
longer to heal if you suffer from diabetes or if you smoke. Some injuries will result
in long-term symptoms. There may always be a ¡®bump¡¯ in your wrist where you
broke the bones.
For advice on stopping smoking please visit nhs.uk/smokefree or discuss this
with your GP.
Once the fracture has started to heal some people might be referred to their local
physiotherapy department for assessment, advice and rehabilitation.
Exercises
You should try to do these exercises three to four times a day; you can start them
immediately.
Repeat these ten times each:
1. Bend your elbow as far as you can, hold for 5-10
seconds, then straighten elbow as far as
you can for 5-10 seconds and hold.
Date of publication November 2017
Ref: RUH ABC/567 ? Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Page 2 of 3
Advice after a wrist fracture
2. Start with all your fingers straight
and then bend all your fingers and
thumb to make a fist.
If you have any worries or concerns please contact one of the following:
Virtual Fracture Clinic Helpline 01225 821668 or Fracture Clinic 01225 825602
Trauma and Orthopaedic Department
Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG
01225 428331 ruh.nhs.uk
Please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) if you require this
leaflet in a different format, or would like to feedback your experience of the
hospital. Email ruh-tr.PatientAdviceandLiaisonService@ or telephone
01225 825656.
Date of publication November 2017
Ref: RUH ABC/567 ? Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Page 3 of 3
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