Broken wrist

Overview

A broken wrist is when one or more of the bones in your wrist fracture or crack. This type of injury often happens when someone falls and attempts to break their fall by using their hand to cushion the impact, causing a forceful blow to the wrist.

Participating in activities like in-line skating or snowboarding, or having a medical condition like osteoporosis that causes bones to become weaker and more fragile, can increase the chances of wrist fractures. However, even individuals with healthy bones may experience a broken wrist if subjected to a powerful enough impact or trauma.

A broken wrist needs to be treated as quickly as possible. Otherwise, it’s possible that the bones will not heal properly, which could make it difficult for you to perform daily tasks like writing or buttoning a shirt. Early intervention will also lessen discomfort and stiffness.

Symptoms

Several symptoms and indicators could be brought on by a broken wrist:

• Swollen, tender or bruised wrist.
• Excruciating pain that could get worse if you squeeze, hold, or move your hand or wrist.
• A visible bending of the wrist that looks defective.

In case you suspect a broken wrist, it is imperative to seek medical attention without any delay, especially if you experience symptoms such as numbness, swelling, or difficulty moving your fingers. Delaying the diagnosis and treatment of a broken wrist can result in inadequate healing, reduced range of motion, and weaker grip strength.

Causes

A broken wrist can be caused by:

• Fall. One of the most frequent causes of a broken wrist is falling onto an outstretched hand.
• Injury from playing sports. Sports involving contact or in which you could fall onto an outstretched hand, like in-line skating or snowboarding, frequently result in wrist fractures.
• Vehicular accident. Sports involving contact or in which you could fall onto an outstretched hand, like in-line skating or snowboarding, frequently result in wrist fractures.

Risk factors

Individuals with osteoporosis may have an increased risk of wrist fracture, particularly if they engage in certain activities that pose a risk of falls or impacts. These activities may include contact sports like hockey, rugby, football, or soccer, as well as horseback riding, trampoline jumping, skiing, snowboarding, or in-line skating.