Broken Wrist – Distal Radial Fractures

Wrist and Forearm

Symptoms

If a wrist is broken, it may show signs and symptoms, such as:

  • Severe pain that might worsen when gripping or squeezing or moving your hand or wrist
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Bruising
  • Obvious deformity, such as a bent wrist or protruding bone

How it occurs

Also referred to as Colles’ or Smith’s fracture, this injury is often associated with the shortening of the radius. If the fracture occurs close to the wrist, this can alter the alignment of the joint, causing pain and loss of function.

Treatment

We review imaging and thoroughly assess the patient to determine the best course of rehabilitation, fabricate a custom thermoplastic splint (not a cast), and, when clinically appropriate, commence a home exercise plan, such as range of motion and strengthening exercises.

No two wrist injuries are the same and there is no ‘recipe’. At Action Rehab we will tailor the treatment to the patient. We don’t use off-the-shelf splints, instead we use our thermoplastic splints that are light weight and water resistant.

A splint is usually used for several weeks full time before a graded range of motion and strength return to function.

Meet Ben

Our senior therapist

Ben Cunningham is currently the Hand Therapist at the AFL club The Melbourne Demons and the director of Action Rehab. Ben has over 20 years of experience providing hand and upper limb therapy, including working in the United Kingdom at the Queen Victoria Hospital and as the senior clinician at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

Book a senior therapist consultation

Ben, our senior therapist, will offer advice on any management strategies you may need. Please note, if you request ongoing care, you will only have to pay our current rates. We do not charge Worksafe and TAC clients for any consultations.

Call 1300 76227to book an appointment or Click Here to book.

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