A broken wrist is common following a fall on an outstretched hand. Symptoms include a great deal of wrist pain, a “dinner fork” deformity, wrist swelling and an inability to use the wrist and hand.
If a fracture of the wrist is suspected, the patient should be taken to an accident and emergency department without delay. Ice packs may be helpful to relieve pain.
Rehabilitation begins immediately while still in plaster by maintaining the range of movement in the shoulder, fingers and thumb, on the side of the affected wrist. This prevents secondary stiffness in these areas and helps to resolve swelling in the wrist. Assuming that there are no complications with healing, the plaster can usually be removed after 6 weeks and at this stage more active rehabilitation can be undertaken. Our Physios may also perform manipulation and mobilisation to reduce stiffness and pain.
Prescribed exercises using therapeutic putty, hand therapy balls and finger and grip strengtheners can add strength to the muscles around the wrist and resolve wrist swelling. In the period following the removal of the plaster it may be helpful to wear a wrist support when not doing the exercises. All of these are available for purchase in our retail section of the clinic.
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