Distal Radius Fracture Treatment Guide: What to Expect & How to Heal

Overview

A distal radius fracture is a break in the radius, the larger of the two forearm bones, at its distal end (the end closest to the wrist). It is one of the most common bone injuries, often called a wrist fracture, and affects people of all ages. Most cases happen when someone falls onto an outstretched hand, and healing typically takes 6 to 12 weeks with proper treatment, with full functional recovery often taking 3 to 6 months.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of a distal radius fracture usually appear immediately after the injury, and may include:

• Sudden, intense pain in the wrist that worsens with movement
• Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the wrist joint
• Visible deformity, such as a bent or crooked wrist
• Difficulty moving the wrist, or inability to grip or hold objects
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers (a sign of potential nerve irritation)

Causes & Risk Factors

The most common cause of a distal radius fracture is a fall onto an outstretched hand (often called a FOOSH injury). Other causes include direct blows to the wrist from car accidents, sports collisions, or heavy objects. Risk factors for this injury include osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions, older age (due to lower bone density), participation in high-impact sports like skiing or skateboarding, and balance issues that increase fall risk.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a distal radius fracture, your provider will first perform a physical exam to check for swelling, deformity, tenderness, range of motion, and nerve function in the wrist and hand. Imaging tests are then used to confirm the fracture and assess its severity:

Treatment & Management

Treatment for a distal radius fracture depends on the fracture type, how much the bone has shifted, your age, and your activity level. The main goals are to realign the broken bone, keep it stable while it heals, and restore full wrist function. Common options include: non-surgical treatment with a cast or splint for 4 to 6 weeks for non-displaced fractures, followed by a removable brace; surgical treatment with pins, plates, screws, or an external fixator for displaced or complex fractures; and physical therapy after immobilization to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Living With It

During the first few weeks of healing, these steps can reduce pain, prevent further injury, and support recovery: keep your injured hand elevated above heart level when resting to reduce swelling; apply ice packs wrapped in a thin cloth to the wrist for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day for the first 72 hours to ease pain and swelling; avoid lifting objects heavier than 1 to 2 pounds with the injured wrist for the first 4 to 6 weeks; use your non-dominant hand for daily tasks like typing, writing, or opening jars if possible; and avoid contact sports, heavy lifting, or activities that put pressure on the wrist until your provider clears you to resume them.