Wrist Fracture: First Aid To Recovery

A fracture is a broken bone. It could be partial, such as a hairline crack or a complete break of the bone. A fracture can be obtained in any part of the body, including the wrist. People, especially kids and athletes, get wrist fracture injuries.

Joints, multiple bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels comprise the wrist. There are three primary bones: forearm bones, carpal bones, and hand bones.

The forearm bones or the radius and ulna are long bones that connect the wrist and the elbows. Meanwhile, the carpal bones are eight tiny bones that make up the wrist, connecting the hand to the forearm.

Wrist fracture can happen in any part of the wrist, but it is most common in the distal radius. The distal radius is the end portion of the radius and ulna that connects the forearm to the wrist.

Wrist Fracture: First Aid To Recovery

The wrists are one of the most vulnerable body parts. Besides mummy’s wristand ganglion cyst in Singapore, it can also obtain fractures. Elderlies are at risk of obtaining wrist fractures as a result of accidents, such as falls and slips.

Children and athletes involved in intense physical activities are at risk as well.

IDENTIFYING THE SYMPTOMS

Assessing and identifying the symptoms is crucial to determining the appropriate first aid treatment for the patient’s needs. Here are the symptoms of a wrist fracture:

  • Immediate pain
  • Tenderness
  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Deformity of the wrist (hanging and bending)

FIRST AID TREATMENT

STEP #1: Immediate medical attention

If the symptoms or a wrist fracture are present, bring the patient to the hospital or hand surgeon in Singapore for diagnosis and immediate treatment. Call an ambulance or bring the patient to the hospital immediately.

STEP #2: Shock treatment

The person may experience excruciating pain, rapid breathing, and even fainting right after obtaining the wrist fracture injury. It is called physiological shock due to emotional and physical stress and trauma. The blood pressure drops, causing the patient to faint and weaken.

When these symptoms are present, lie the person on their back, with their head slightly lower than their torso. Elevating the legs can gradually increase blood pressure.

STEP #3: Address the bleeding

Besides the fracture, wounds and bleeding in the wrist and other areas, such as the elbows and forearms, may also be present. It is crucial to stop the bleeding by applying pressure to it using a sterile bandage or clean cloth.

STEP#4: Makeshift wrist support

It is crucial to immobilise the injured area by using makeshift wrist support. A trained person with knowledge of first aid can perform this task efficiently.

You can use a makeshift splint, such as a stick, ruler or rolled newspaper, and apply it below the forearms and wrists.

Making a sling using a handkerchief, bandana, or linen can help, too. Remember, do not try to realign a wrist fracture if you are not trained or qualified to do so.

STEP #5: Rest

The makeshift wrist support will ensure the wrist is immobilised so it can rest. Advise the patient not to use or move the wrist to prevent further pain, swelling, and bleeding if the wound is present. Wait for a female hand surgeon who will assess the injury.

STEP #6: RICE

RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. While resting the injured wrist, the patient can apply an ice pack to the injured area. The ice can reduce the swelling and alleviate the pain.

Compression wraps limit the swelling as well, whilst elevation reduces blood pressure in the affected area, preventing profuse bleeding. A hand surgeon in Singapore may also recommend this trick in thewrist fractureaftercare.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Once the patient is in the hospital, a hand surgeon in Singaporewill examine the injury. They may order an X-ray or CT scan to see the severity of the broken bone.

Non-surgical

The treatment depends on the severity of thewrist fracture. A hand surgeon may recommend non-surgical treatment for minor cases. It may include closed reduction or lining up fractured bones without the need for surgery.

Doctors may also recommend using a cast and splint to retain the alignment of the broken bones. The cast may remain two weeks into one month.

Surgical

The female hand surgeon may recommend surgical treatment for severewrist fracture, especially if the tendons, nerves, and joints have been affected.

Doctors may use stainless steel or titanium metal pins, plats, and screws to reconnect the bones.

RECOVERY

Wrist-Fracture-Aftercare

●     RICE

After the treatment, the doctor may recommend the continuation of RICE or rest, ice pack, compression, and elevation. RICE manages the pain and reduces swelling.

●     Medication

The hand surgeon in Singapore may prescribe medications, including Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for pain and inflammation relief.

There can also be antibiotics if wounds are present.

●     Wound care

Surgical treatment needs proper wound care post-surgery. Keep the incisions dry for five days. Regularly change the wound dressing with sterile bandages to prevent infection.

●     Cast

Surgical and non-surgicalwrist fracture treatment may require a cast to immobilise the wrist to let it rest and allow the bones to heal in the correct position.

Avoid getting the cast wet. The patient can dry it with a hair dryer or replace it entirely with the help of a female hand surgeon. The doctor can advise when to remove the cast.

●     Rehabilitation

Once the cast is removed, the patient may undergo physical therapy to improve mobility and regain the strength of the wrist. There may be a limited range of motion and stiffness during the first week, but it will gradually improve over the days.

Light activities such as swimming are permitted at least two months after the surgery. However, the patient must wait six to twelve months to perform vigorous activities after the surgery.

It is better to ask ahand surgeon in Singapore for more information about rehabilitation.

Takeaway

Prevention is better than cure. There are many ways to prevent wrist fracture, such as building bone strength by eating highly nutritious food and performing regular exercise.

Evade accidents by wearing comfortable and appropriate footwear and using handrails and grab bars when climbing stairs or riding a bus.

Wearing protective sports gear reduces the risk of wrist fracturesignificantly.

Advanced Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre

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