Wrist fractures or distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures in children (25%) and in the elderly (up to 18%) population. Moreover, women are at higher risk of having a wrist fracture than men.

Wrist fractures or distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures in children (25%) and in the elderly (up to 18%) population. Moreover, women are at higher risk of having a wrist fracture than men.

Wrist fractures or distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures in children (25%) and in the elderly (up to 18%) population. Moreover, women are at higher risk of having a wrist fracture than men. Wrist fractures are not only financially costly but have many various social costs such as lost attendance at school or at work, loss of independence and higher chances of developing a lifelong disability. There are different types of wrist fractures, each of which require different kinds of treatment. Some fractures are considered closed, when the skin stays intact and others are considered compound, when the bone is exposed. Another classification for fractures is based on the condition of the bone affected.

  1. Nondisplaced fracture is when the bone is broken but it is in its normal position.
  2. Another type consists of a fracture that causes a fragment of the bone to shift
  3. The most serious kind is when there are multiple breaks in the bone

Some fractures like the first two stated above do not need surgery to be fixed. However, if there are multiple breaks in the bone or if it has cut through the skin and is exposed, then surgery is needed. Treatment of a wrist fracture depends on how severe the fracture is and how it has affected your health. Health specialists use screws, plates, rods, casts and/or slings to treat a fracture depending on how the bone and its surrounding has been affected. Healing and recovery after a fracture is the most important phase. In many cases, doctors will recommend physical therapy so that the patients can regain mobility and movement in the wrist.

Wrist Fracture and Physical Therapy

Physical therapy usually begins after the cast is removed. After the cast is removed, generally the affected area tends to be stiff due to lack of proper movement. Mobilizing wrist and hand movement after a fracture requires strict weight-bearing and lifting restrictions. The physical therapist (PT) will evaluate the affected area and take measurements of various factors such as extent of swelling, flexibility, pain, mobility and range of motion. After devising a customized treatment strategy for you the PT will start with getting your hand used to movement, which it had lost during the time the cast was on.

Physical therapy for the wrist is very important as the hand is used to perform many functions on a daily basis. Effective physical therapy focuses on ensuring that your wrist not only moves but also regains all the strength it lost during the fracture. Classic Rehabilitation in Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Bedford offers a great physical therapy program for many parts of the body, including hands and wrists. The team of therapists at Class Rehabilitation, Inc. has vast experience with treating many hands and wrist injuries caused by playing sports, lifting weights and falls. Our PTs provide services that not only focuses on getting your movement back during recovery but also ensure that you are well equipped with the tools needed to have a strong wrist all your life.

Contact Classic Rehabilitation, today with your questions and concerns pertaining to wrist and hand injuries in need of physical therapy.