Physical Therapy Today: How to prevent wrist fractures

A wrist fracture has the potential to impact daily life for an extended period of time. Wrist fractures can result from falls, sports activities and improper lifting. Owing to the complex architecture of the bones, muscles and ligaments in the wrist and hand, healing can take a while.

The wrist itself is not a bone, but joints connecting the hand and the forearm. The type of treatment will depend upon the nature and the extent of injury to the bones, muscles and ligaments. Typical symptoms include pain especially with movement, swelling and bruising especially with movement.

In some cases, nerve involvement can result in a tingling sensation in the fingers. It is important to rest and restrict motion to allow the injury to heal and to prevent displacement of bone fragments and other complications.

Wrist fractures are typically treated by applying a cast that holds the wrist in place, provides protection from movement and helps reduce pain. At times, surgery may be required.

Returning wrists to their normal function

During the healing period, the wrist is kept immobilized. This allows sufficient time for the healing process. The physical therapist will select the appropriate rehabilitation option to reduce pain and restore functionality. Some of the options include:

Exercise – After removal of the cast, patients may experience some discomfort and weakness as they start to use their wrist again. A customized physical therapy exercise program is a critical component for easing pain and building strength while restoring functionality and dexterity in the affected area.

Hot and cold therapy – Hot and cold packs are used to alleviate pain and swelling once the cast is removed and throughout rehabilitation.

Mobilization – A therapist performs manual therapy techniques to relieve joint stiffness and restore a normal range of motion.

Ultrasound – Soft tissue is stimulated below the surface of the skin using audio waves to accelerate the healing process through cellular regeneration while decreasing pain and swelling.

Electrical stimulation – This method is an effective tool for alleviating pain, strength training and rehabilitation for joints that have been inactive for extended periods of time.

Therapeutic massage – Therapeutic massage offers many benefits. It can relieve stress in stiff joints (giving the patient a better range of motion) and enhances the body’s own ability to heal itself. Depending upon the needs of the patient, a variety of massage techniques can also be utilized to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Don’t wait!

Often, patients seek over-the-counter painkillers to deal with wrist pain, since it’s an inconvenience.

Sometimes, patients are reluctant to schedule time to have a wrist examination, despite significant pain. Getting the wrist checked as soon as possible is important since it can help avoid serious complications down the road.

Wrist fractures are painful and will affect your ability to perform daily tasks. Without proper strengthening and rehabilitation, recovery can be a long, painful process. If you are experiencing pain from a wrist injury, we can create a customized treatment plan that will reduce pain, restore mobility and help to fast track your complete rehabilitation. Call us today to learn how we can work with you to ensure a quick and speedy recovery.

Casey Cortney, MPT is a licensed physical therapist and owner of Sidney Rehabilitation & Wellness Clinic. Casey can be reached at 308-254-4979 or by visiting the website at http://www.sidneyrehab.com.