Recovering from a Wrist Fracture
A wrist fracture, commonly referred to as a distal radius fracture or Colles' fracture, occurs when one or more of the large bones in the wrist crack or break. Specifically, this injury happens when the larger bone in the forearm, the radius, fractures near its connection to the bones of the hand on the thumb side.
Common Symptoms of a Wrist Fracture
If you suspect you have a wrist fracture, you might notice the following symptoms:
- Pain: Especially noticeable when flexing or moving the wrist.
- Swelling and Tenderness: The area around the fracture may become swollen and tender to the touch.
- Bruising: Discoloration around the wrist often accompanies the injury.
- Wrist Deformation: Also known as "dinner fork deformity," where the wrist appears bent out of shape.
Treatment and Recovery
Healing from a wrist fracture involves more than just rest. An occupational therapist can play a crucial role in your recovery by offering exercises that not only promote healing but also help you regain strength and range of motion. Additionally, they can guide you in managing your recovery effectively to prevent future injuries.
Here are some treatments you may encounter while working with our team:
- Postoperative Care: Support and rehabilitation following any surgical intervention.
- Custom Splinting: Tailored splints to immobilize and protect the wrist during healing.
- Prevention Education: Learn how to avoid future wrist injuries.
- Electrical Modalities: Therapies that use electrical stimulation to aid in healing.
- Ergonomic Modifications: Adjustments to your daily activities to reduce strain on the wrist.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve movement and reduce pain.
- Compressive Therapy: Use of compression to reduce swelling and enhance healing.
At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, our team of skilled occupational therapists is here to support you at every stage of your recovery. Whether you need help right after the injury or during the later stages of rehabilitation, we’re committed to helping you heal and regain full function.
Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829.0030
Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420.2900
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New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125
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Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030
*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*
Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2
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Written by:
Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT
President
Reddy Care Physical Therapy
Reddy Care Occupational Therapy
Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy