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  Wrist fracture treated by cast immobilization; What should I do?  

  There are several different types of wrist fractures.  The most common is Fracture of the Distal Radius, which is actually a break of the far end of the long bone of the forearm on the thumb side, just below the wrist.  The most common type of distal radius fracture is called a Colles Fracture, in which the far end of the fractured bone is pushed backwards.  This type of fracture frequently occurs when a person falls onto their outstretched hand with the palm facing downwards.  Treatment of this common wrist fracture can include realignment of the fracture by a medical professional (frequently performed in the hospital emergency room and known as fracture reduction), followed by application of a cast extending either into the forearm or beyond the elbow.  If the fracture is too complex to be treated with simple reduction, surgery including open realignment of the fracture with stabilization using metal plates, screws or pins may be performed, occasionally augmented with a bone graft.  Nearly all wrist fractures, whether treated conservatively or by surgery, will require cast immobilization for several weeks to allow the bone at the fracture site to properly heal.  Adjacent joints of the arm, such as the fingers, elbow and shoulder, can become stiff (and sore) secondary to cast immobilization of the wrist during the healing period. <p>There are several things that a person who has been casted following wrist fracture can safely do to minimize stiffness and pain and maximize joint and soft tissue mobility while waiting for their cast to come off.  Elevate your hand and forearm when possible to help decrease swelling (swelling is caused by the increased blood flow to your fracture site, which is a vital part of your healing process), which will help reduce fluid retention in the joints and soft tissue and thereby reduce stiffness.  Perform gentle range of motion to your unaffected joints one or two times per day.  Your doctor or a physical or occupational therapist can instruct you in safe, gentle exercises which are easy (and usually comfortable) to perform and can prevent unwanted gradual onset of stiffness in your fingers, elbow and shoulder.  Apply ice to swollen or sore joints to help decrease pain and swelling.  Ice should be applied judiciously, and for an appropriate length of time.  Ask your doctor, therapist or other medical professional for proper instruction for icing.  Early, appropriate attention to your uninjured joints, such as the ones described above, can save you a lot of time, trouble and discomfort later on.  Should you have any questions, you can contact us at 530-226-1858, or you may e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it