Wrist Fracture

A wrist fracture can happen in an instant—whether from a sports injury, a fall, or a car accident—and it can quickly impact your ability to perform daily tasks. Prompt diagnosis and expert care are essential to ensure the bone heals correctly and to restore strength and function. At Austin Sports Medicine, serving Central and South Austin, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, the experienced orthopedic team provides comprehensive treatment for wrist fractures. If you’ve injured your wrist or are experiencing pain and swelling, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What can cause a wrist fracture?

A wrist fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the wrist break due to force or trauma. The most common causes include:

• Falls: Landing on an outstretched hand is the leading cause of wrist fractures
• Sports injuries: High-impact or contact sports can lead to fractures, especially in athletes who play football, soccer, or snowboard
• Car or bike accidents: Sudden impact during collisions often results in broken wrists
• Osteoporosis: Individuals with decreased bone density are more prone to fractures, even from minor falls

The most frequently broken bone in the wrist is the distal radius, located near the base of the thumb. Other fractures can involve the scaphoid bone or multiple small bones in the wrist joint, depending on the nature and severity of the injury.

What are signs of a wrist fracture?

Wrist fractures can range from mild to severe. Common signs include:

• Sudden, sharp pain at the wrist following an injury
• Swelling or bruising around the wrist or forearm
• Difficulty moving the wrist or fingers
• Deformity of the wrist, appearing bent or crooked
• Tenderness to touch or pressure
• Numbness or tingling in the hand (in more severe cases)
  

If you suspect a wrist fracture, it's important to seek medical attention right away to prevent long-term complications.

How is a wrist fracture diagnosed and treated?

Diagnostic steps

A provider at Austin Sports Medicine will begin with a physical exam, checking for swelling, range of motion, and deformity. Diagnostic imaging is typically required to confirm the fracture and assess its severity:

• X-rays: The first and most common tool to detect a broken bone
• CT or MRI scans: Used for complex or unclear fractures, or to examine soft tissues

Treatment options

The treatment plan depends on the type of fracture and whether the bones are aligned properly:

• Immobilization: A splint or cast may be used to hold the wrist in place as it heals
• Closed reduction: For displaced fractures, the bone may need to be gently realigned before casting
• Surgery: In cases of unstable or complex fractures, surgery may be required to insert pins, plates, or screws to hold the bones in place

Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, is often recommended to restore movement and strength after the wrist heals.

Austin Sports Medicine is committed to helping patients recover fully from wrist fractures with personalized care and expert orthopedic support. If you’ve experienced a wrist injury, schedule a consultation to get the diagnosis and treatment you need.