We all know how uncomfortable and unproductive a broken wrist can make one be. The pain is definitely not something anyone wishes to experience again. A broken wrist is usually accompanied by pain, bleeding, and other unbearable symptoms.
There are several types of a broken wrist, just like a broken bone. These types of broken wrists include:
- Open or compound broken wrist: Here, the wrist bones are exposed and accompanied by wounds that probably led to its break.
- Closed broken wrist: These are dislocations around the wrist bone. They are more painful than open fractures.
Physical trauma, sports injuries, and osteoporosis are the leading cause of broken wrist. A broken wrist is a health emergency and should be treated as fast as possible to avoid other complications.
AFC Urgent Care North Bergen can treat all broken bones that are not emergencies. Our center is equipped with a digital x-ray to help treat the wound with the proper care. Visit our center for any injury today.
Symptoms of Fractures
Below are some symptoms of fractures you should note:
- Bruise
- Deformity
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Discoloration
- Loss of function or numbness
- Crepitus (popping sensation under the skin)
- Dislocation
- Intense pain
- Limited mobility
When to Receive Treatment
Any form of a fracture needs to be taken care of quickly. A broken wrist is not an exception.
Severe pain set in once a wrist breaks, followed by rapid swelling. It can also affect the nerves around the injured area.
So, the best step to take is to stop stressing the broken wrist and seek medical attention. Do not hesitate to seek proper medical help for a broken wrist when you notice:
- There is uncontrollable bleeding.
- The person with the broken wrist doesn't respond to first aid and stops breathing.
- The wrist appears crooked or bent.
- The broken wrist pierces the skin resulting in a severe wound.
- Any slight tap on the broken wrist causes pain.
- The broken wrist goes numb.
It takes 6 to 8 weeks before a broken wrist can heal up completely. However, if the fracture is more profound, it might take longer.
It is always necessary to wear a plaster cast on the broken wrist until you have fully recovered. Although, a broken wrist can also heal without a cast but at a slower rate.
During the treatment of a broken wrist, you might be required to go through an X-ray scan. The purpose of the scan is to diagnose the fracture site.
After getting the proper treatment and wearing the plaster cast for weeks, your broken wrist will be fine. Before you know it, you can lift your wrist again, just like before.
