What Causes Distal Radius Fracture and Why Early Care Matters
A distal radius fracture, often called a “broken wrist”, happens when the radius bone near the wrist breaks. This injury usually occurs from falling onto an outstretched hand, especially during sports, slipping on ice, or accidents. It can also result from high-energy trauma like car or bike crashes, or occur more easily in older adults with weaker bones due to osteoporosis.
Getting early medical care is important because it helps ensure the bone heals in the correct position. Without prompt treatment, the wrist may heal poorly, leading to chronic pain, limited motion, weakness, or arthritis down the road. Early evaluation also helps detect associated injuries, reduce swelling, and start the right treatment whether that’s a cast, splint, or surgery so you can recover faster and more fully.
Symptoms You May Be Experiencing
If you’re wondering whether your hand discomfort could be carpal tunnel, here are common signs to watch for:
- Immediate wrist pain after a fall or impact
- Swelling around the wrist and hand
- Bruising or discoloration that develops shortly after the injury
- Difficulty moving the wrist or fingers
- Weak grip strength
- Visible deformity of the wrist (sometimes described as a “dinner-fork” shape)
- Tenderness to touch along the radius near the wrist
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers if swelling affects nearby nerves
Why Choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for Distal Radius Fracture Treatment
- Orthopaedic trauma and hand specialists
Our team includes fellowship-trained surgeons who specialize in complex wrist and hand injuries. They evaluate your fracture with precision, ensuring you receive expert care tailored to the type and severity of your injury. - Advanced imaging for accurate fracture assessment
We use state-of-the-art tools including digital X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans when needed to clearly visualize the fracture pattern. This allows us to determine the best treatment plan and identify any joint involvement or associated injuries. - Expert casting, bracing, and surgical treatment
From custom-molded casts and supportive braces to minimally invasive or reconstructive surgical options, we offer the full spectrum of treatment. Our goal is to realign and stabilize the wrist so it heals properly and minimizes long-term complications. - Rehabilitation plans to restore strength and mobility
Once the fracture begins to heal, our therapy team guides you through personalized exercises to improve range of motion, rebuild strength, and return you safely to daily activities, work, and sports.
