The carpal bones can be included in a broken wrist.It is a common injury.The most common broken bone in the arm is the radius.There are one in 10 broken bones in the United States.A broken wrist can happen when you fall.Athletes who play high-impact sports and people with osteoporosis are at high risk for broken wrists.If you broke your wrist, you will probably have to wear a cast or a splint for a while.There are ways to cope with a broken wrist.
Step 1: Go to the doctor.
A broken wrist needs medical attention to heal.You can wait until you can see your regular physician if you aren't experiencing a lot of pain.If you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention.
Step 2: Understand how the treatment works.
Most broken wrists are treated with a splint, which is a rigid piece of plastic, fiberglass or metal attached to the wrist with bandages or a brace.This is usually used for a week.A plaster or cast is usually placed after a few days or a week after the initial swelling has gone down.If the swelling goes down further and the first cast becomes loose, you may need a second cast.
Step 3: Wait between 6 and 8 weeks.
The majority of broken wrists heal within a few weeks.You will probably have a cast for most of that time.Your doctor will do regular x-rays to make sure your wrist heals correctly.
Step 4: You can see a physical therapist.
You may be referred to a physical therapist after your cast comes off.After an injury, physical therapy can help you regain strength and movement.Your doctor will probably give you exercises to do at home if you don't need formal physical therapy.Make sure you follow your doctor's recommendations to get your wrist back to normal.
Step 5: The wrist needs to be raised.
Lifting your wrist above your heart will help reduce swelling and pain.After having a cast put on, it is important to elevate your wrist.Your doctor may tell you to raise it longer.The wrist needs to be elevated while you sleep or during the day.Put it on a few pillows.
Step 6: Ice can be applied to your wrist.
Icing your wrist can help.It's important to keep your cast dry while applying ice.Ice can be put in a bag.The bag should be sealed to prevent leaks.To prevent condensation from getting into your cast, Wrap the bag in a towel.A bag of frozen vegetables can be used as an ice pack.Corn or peas are small and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes.Don't eat them after you've used the bag as an ice-pack.You can hold the ice on your wrist for 15-20 minutes.It's a good idea to apply ice for the first few days.It is possible to use a commercial gel-based ice pack.These ice packs are freezable and won't leak water onto a cast.They can be found at medical supply stores.
Step 7: It's a good idea to take an over-the-counter drug.
Most wrist pain can be treated without a doctor's prescription.You should talk to your doctor about what kind of medicine is right for you.It is possible that some of the medications you are taking can interfere with your medical conditions.A doctor may recommend a combination of drugs to fight pain and swelling.They are more effective together than they are alone.Ibuprofen is an NSAID.These help reduce swelling by blocking prostaglandins in the body.Naproxen and aspirin have a longer anti-clotting effect than other NSAID's.If you have a bleeding disorder, asthma, or other medical condition, your doctor may not recommend aspirin.Negative interactions can be caused by aspirin.It is important to use a children's formula when administering pain relief to a child.Children under the age of 18 are not recommended to take aspirin.It is recommended by your doctor that you use as little as possible.Unless directed by your doctor, don't take an OTC painkiller for more than 10 days.You should see your doctor if your pain continues after 10 days.
Step 8: Move your elbow with your fingers.
To keep circulation flowing, it's important to exercise joints that aren't under the cast.This will help you speed up your healing process.Contact your doctor if you experience pain when moving your fingers.
Step 9: Don't put objects in the cast.
You will probably want to scratch your skin because it gets itchy under the cast.Don't!This can cause injury to your cast or skin.Don't put anything in the cast.Blow on your cast with a hairdryer on the "low" or "cool" setting.Don't put powders in the cast.When they are trapped under the cast, anti-itch powders can cause irritation.
Step 10: moleskin should be applied to prevent rubbing.
The edges of your cast may rub against your skin.moleskin is a soft fabric that can be applied directly to the skin where the cast is rubbing.You can buy moleskin at drug stores.Rub moleskin on dry skin.When it gets dirty, replace it.If the edges of your cast become rough, you can use a nail file to smooth them out.Don't break off pieces of your cast.
Step 11: It's a good idea to know when to call your doctor.
In most cases, your wrist will heal in a few weeks.If you experience any of the following, you should call your doctor.
Step 12: Don't get your cast wet.
Many casts are made of plaster and can be damaged by water.The mold can grow inside the cast if it is wet.It is possible that wet casts will cause sores to form on your skin.Don't get the cast wet.When you bathe or shower, put a heavy-duty plastic bag over your cast.It's a good idea to keep your cast out of the shower or bathtub.Water can leak under the cast if you don't wrap a towel around it.You can buy cast shields from your doctor's office or a medical supply store.
Step 13: It's a good idea to dry your cast if it gets wet.
If your cast gets wet, pat it dry with a towel.You can use a hair dryer on the "low" or "cool" setting.Call your doctor if the cast is still wet or soft after you tried to dry it.You might need a new cast.
Step 14: You should wear a socks on your hand.
Circulation problems are possible if your fingers get cold while you are in your cast.It could be cold in your house.Wear a socks on your hand to keep your fingers warm.Circulation can be restored by wiggling your fingers.
Step 15: Wear clothes that are easy to put on.
While you are in a cast, it may be difficult to put on clothes with fastenings.It is not a good idea to wear clothes with tight sleeves as they may not fit over a cast.Choose clothing that is loose and stretchy.If you have elastic-waisted pants or skirts, you don't have to worry about fastening them.A sleeveless shirt is a good idea.Pull the shirt sleeve over the cast with your good arm.Try to use less of the arm in the cast.It's harder to get into a jacket if you use a shawl or blanket.A thick poncho or cape is an easier choice than an outdoor coat.Ask for help when you need it.
Step 16: You should ask for a note-taker in class.
While your wrist heals, you may need to ask for a note-taker or other accommodations.Speak to your university's disability resources center.If you can learn to write with your non-dominant hand, this will help, but it can take a long time.If you broke your wrist while writing, use a heavy object like a book or paperweight to hold the paper in place.The injured arm should be used as little as possible.
Step 17: You can do tasks with your other hand.
If you can, use your non-injured arm to brush your teeth and eat.Inflammation in your wrist will be reduced by this.Carry things with your injured wrist.This could prolong the healing process.
Step 18: Don't operate or drive machinery.
If you broke the wrist of your dominant hand, this is important.Your doctor will probably tell you not to drive if you have a cast on.It is not illegal to drive with a wrist cast, but use sound judgement when making a decision.machinery that requires two hands should not be used.
Step 19: After the cast is removed, take care of your wrist and arm.
There will be some swelling after the cast is removed.Your skin may be dry or flaky.It's normal for your muscles to look smaller when you put the cast on.Warm water will cure your arm/wrist.The skin should be dry with a towel.You can use a cream on the wrist and arm.Ibuprofen or aspirin can be taken to reduce swelling.
Step 20: Normal activities should be taken up by your doctor or physical therapist.
It can take some time to get back to normal.If you want to resume light exercise, you need to wait 1-2 months.Sports activities can take 3-6 months to complete.It's important to take care of your wrist.Wrist injuries can be prevented with braces.
Step 21: It takes time for healing.
It doesn't mean you are healed just because your cast is off.If the break was severe, it may take six months or more to heal.After the initial break, you may continue to have pains for months or years.Your age and overall health affect your healing process.Children and teens heal faster than adults.Older adults and people with osteoporosis may not experience healing as quickly as they would like.