Tag: Broken Wrist Symptoms

At Arora Hand Surgery, we treat a variety of conditions and injuries of the hands and wrists.  Broken wrists are a common injury.  They are usually caused by falls.  People tend to try and catch themselves with their open hands when falling.  The delicate wrist bones can fracture or crack under the pressure.  If you are not aware of what the broken wrist symptoms are, it is easy to not realize the severity of your injury.
 
 

Risk Factors for Wrist Injury

People who play certain sports are more susceptible to injury of the wrist.  High-risk sporting activities include:

• Soccer
• Football
• Equestrian sports
• Rugby
• Roller and inline skating
• Hockey
• Trampolining

Those with osteoporosis, which is a condition causing thinning of the bones, are at higher risk of injury.

It is important that fractured or broken wrists be treated as soon as possible.  When the injury heals without proper care, the bones can fuse together misaligned.  Improperly aligned bones, in a crucial area such as the wrist, can make even simple activities difficult. Daily tasks like writing or using buttons can become very difficult.

Potential complications can include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Perpetual stiffness of the wrist
• Aching
• Disability
• Nerve damage
• Damage to blood vessels
• Decreased range of motion
• Decreased grip strength

The earlier you seek treatment, the more likely serious conditions can be avoided.

A Closer Look at Broken Wrist Symptoms

The first step in preventing further injury or disability to your wrist is identifying the symptoms of a fracture or break.  The first and most obvious signs often occur immediately following the injury.  You may experience severe pain that is exasperated by trying to move your wrist or hand.  You may also have pain when trying to grip things, squeeze or clench your fists.  Additional signs you should look for include:

• Tenderness in the area
• Swelling of the hand or wrist
• Bruising
• Stiffness of the fingers or thumb
• Inability to move the fingers or thumb
• Numbness in your fingers
• Numbness in your hand

Whenever there is a deformity in the area such as a bent wrist or crooked finger, it is a clear indication of damage.

If there is any question about the possibility of a fracture or break of the wrist, you should see our doctor as soon as possible.  A loss of regular motor control, numbness, or swelling are serious signs that should never be ignored.  Failing to do so could lead to long-term consequences.

If you are experiencing any of the broken wrist symptoms that were discussed here, or other unexplained symptoms, we urge you to call us at Arora Hand Surgery in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

If you’ve injured your wrist through a fall or while competing in sports, you may be unsure whether the bones are broken. A Colles’ fracture, which affects the larger bone in the forearm by the wrist, is the most common type of broken bone. This injury most commonly occurs when falling onto an outstretched hand, often during an activity like skateboarding or in-line skating, or in a car accident. Those with osteoporosis are also at a higher risk for wrist fracture. Learn more about the common broken wrist symptoms, when you should seek medical attention, and how this injury may be treated.

Signs of a Broken Wrist

When the wrist or hand is broken, you might experience the following broken wrist symptoms:

• Severe pain that gets worse when moving or clenching the fist
• A swollen or bruised appearance
• Tenderness when touched
• A bent or deformed appearance
• Stiffness or limited range of movement
• Numbness

If you’ve injured your hand and develop those symptoms, see our doctor right away. Delayed treatment for a broken wrist can lead to complications such as decreased grip strength and range of motion, osteoarthritis, or nerve damage.

Treatment for a Broken Wrist

Before addressing the broken wrist symptoms, it is important to first diagnose the issue. To diagnose a broken wrist, our doctor will perform a physical examination of the injury and take an X-ray. If the bones are displaced, he will realign them. The hand will then be held in place with a splint or cast while the broken wrist bones heal. Our doctor will likely recommend over-the-counter medications for discomfort. Physical therapy may eventually be necessary to restore a normal range of motion and reduce stiffness.

Severe breaks may require surgery to hold the bones in place with specialized tools and techniques. This is often the case in fractures where the skin is broken, the bones are likely to move before healing occurs, the surrounding nerves or ligaments are damaged, or the joint is affected.

To facilitate healing, follow our doctor’s instructions. Quit smoking if necessary since it can delay bone healing and decrease bone strength.

When you’re experiencing broken wrist symptoms, the best thing that you can do for yourself is schedule a consultation at Arora Hand Surgery, with offices in Howell, Warren, West Bloomfield, and Macomb. Contact us today to book an appointment and learn about your available treatment options.