Symptoms, Remedies, and Strategies for Healing After a Broken Wrist, Along with Recovery Tips
A common injury that affects many people is a wrist injury, specifically a fracture or a sprain. In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery time for both wrist fractures and sprains.
Wrist Fractures
A wrist fracture, also known as a distal radius fracture, is the most common bone to break in the wrist. This usually occurs approximately 1 inch from the end of the bone [1][3][5]. If you have a wrist fracture, you may experience immediate pain, bruising, tenderness, swelling, and the wrist may hang or appear unusually bent [1]. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary [2].
To diagnose a wrist fracture, a doctor will likely need to order an X-ray. In some cases, a CT or MRI scan may be used for more detail on fracture complexity or when fractures are not clearly visible on X-rays [1][3][5].
Treatment for wrist fractures depends on the severity and displacement of the break. Non-surgical treatment includes immobilization with casts or splints to allow the bone to heal properly, often used if the bone fragments are stable and well-aligned [3][5]. Surgical treatment is indicated if the bone is out of place or unstable. Surgery may involve realignment (reduction) and fixation using pins, plates, or screws [5].
Recovery from wrist fractures typically involves a longer healing period than sprains, possibly including pain and anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion [5]. Following the break, a person can expect moderate pain for several days to several weeks to several months, with most people able to return to their usual activities in approximately 3 months, with full recovery taking up to 1 year [6].
Wrist Sprains
Wrist sprains are injuries to the ligaments that connect the bones in the wrist. Symptoms of a sprained wrist include swelling, bruising, tenderness, warmth around the wrist, and a sensation of popping or tearing inside the wrist [4].
Diagnosis of wrist sprains is mainly clinical with a physical exam assessing pain, tenderness, range of motion, and sometimes x-rays to exclude fractures or dislocations [4]. Treatment for wrist sprains is generally conservative, with rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and sometimes splints or braces [2][4]. They usually heal faster and do not require surgery unless associated with severe ligament tears or instability [2][4].
Key Differences
Here is a summary of the key differences between wrist fractures and sprains:
| Aspect | Wrist Fracture | Wrist Sprain | |--------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Signs & Symptoms | Pain, swelling, visible deformity, bone tenderness, numbness, difficulty moving | Pain, swelling, tenderness of soft tissue, bruising, instability, no bone deformity | | Diagnosis | Physical exam + x-rays, CT or MRI if needed | Physical exam, possibly x-rays to rule out fracture | | Treatment | Immobilization (cast/splint), surgery if displaced | Rest, ice, compression, elevation, braces if needed | | Recovery Time | Weeks to months, often with physical therapy | Usually days to weeks |
This differentiation guides appropriate management and helps avoid complications [1][3][4][5].
If you suspect a wrist injury, it is important to contact a doctor to determine if a break did occur. While wearing a cast, people should take care to keep the cast dry, avoid getting dirt, sand, and powders inside the cast, refrain from pulling out the padding, and avoid inserting objects inside the cast. After surgical intervention, a person should plan to keep their surgical incision clean and dry for at least 5 days. Stiffness following the removal of a cast is common and will typically resolve within about 2 months, but can take a few years to fully go away.
- Alongside discussing signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for wrist fractures, it's essential to consider the implications for workplace-wellness, as wrist fractures can significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily tasks and work duties.
- Science and medical research have identified chronic-diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, and mental-health issues like depression and anxiety, as being linked to poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyle choices, including neglecting skin-care and fitness-and-exercise routines.
- The Integration of therapies-and-treatments like CBD, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, into rehabilitation programs for wrist fractures and sprain patients could potentially speed up the healing process and alleviate chronic pain associated with these medical-conditions.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health and wellness, with a well-balanced diet contributing to chronic-diseases prevention and mental-health support, as well as accelerating recovery from injuries such as wrist fractures.
- The neglected aspect of mental-health within the broader scope of health-and-wellness has prompted interest in incorporating stress-reduction techniques and mindfulness practices in workplace-wellness programs, promoting employee well-being and productivity.
- Skin-care is an important aspect of self-care and overall health, with proper skin-care routine helping to prevent early aging, acne, and other skin-related issues, so taking care of your skin should be a priority in fostering overall health and wellness.
