Wrist Fractures: Symptoms, Causes & Recovery

A wrist fracture happens when one of the bones in the wrist breaks—most often the distal radius, which is the larger bone in the forearm. This type of fracture typically occurs near the end of the bone, close to where it connects to the hand and thumb. While the wrist contains several small carpal bones, distal radius fractures are by far the most common and can significantly impact daily function.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Sharp or intense pain, especially when trying to grip, lift, or rotate the wrist
• Visible swelling around the wrist or hand
• Tenderness to touch
• Bruising or skin discoloration around the injured area
• Changes in shape or position of the wrist, such as a noticeable bend or deformity
  
  

How Wrist Fractures Happen

The majority of wrist fractures occur after falling onto an outstretched hand, a common instinctive reaction when trying to protect oneself during a fall. However, other situations can also lead to fractures, such as:

• Higher-impact trauma including motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents
• Sports injuries, especially in activities where falls are common
• Falls from heights, such as ladders or steps
• Weakened bones due to osteoporosis or aging, which increase fracture risk even with low-impact incidents

How Occupational Therapy Supports Recovery

After a wrist fracture, many individuals experience stiffness, weakness, and difficulty performing basic tasks—such as buttoning clothing, cooking, typing, or lifting objects. This is where Occupational Therapy (OT) becomes essential.

Occupational therapists focus not only on healing the injured area but also on restoring your ability to function independently. A customized rehabilitation plan may include:

• Exercises to restore strength and flexibility in the wrist, hand, and forearm
• Edema (swelling) management techniques to reduce discomfort
• Manual therapy to improve joint mobility and decrease stiffness
• Training in adaptive techniques for daily activities while healing
• Gradual reintroduction of functional tasks to ensure a safe return to work, hobbies, and home responsibilities
• Education on joint protection, proper ergonomics, and strategies to prevent future injuries
  
  

Call to schedule your initial evaluation today! 

Our expert team of therapists at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational & Aquatic therapy, located throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan are here to help you restore comfort and hand 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

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797   Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729   Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005  Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside: Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360  Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572  Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

Rockaway Beach - NEW LOCATION: 2-30 Beach 102nd Street, Suite 28, Rockaway Park, NY 11694 Tel. (718) 945.9575

 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

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.