Broken Wrist FAQs

What should I do if I have injured my wrist and I think it is broken?

If you are concerned you have broken a bone in your wrist it is best you attend the hospital emergency department, review with your GP, or contact your hand therapist to assess your injury and refer you for the appropriate imaging to determine the best management plan.

What is the difference between a break and a fracture?

Nothing! A fracture and a broken bone are the same thing, just different terms used by different people. If you have fractured your wrist, it also means you have broken a bone in your wrist.

How long will my broken wrist take to heal?

The amount of time your bone takes to heal depends on a few different things. As a general rule your bone will take 8-12 weeks to heal completely. However, the good thing about bones is that they tend to heal really well if everything progresses normally and is managed correctly. Children's bones tend to heal quicker than adults because their ability to remodel and heal is much more efficient.

What can affect my bone healing?

There are a number of things that can affect bone healing. These include age, other medical or health conditions, the severity of the break, which part of the bone is broken, and whether you have had surgery or not. Weight bearing or loading through a broken bone too soon can, in some cases, delay healing, which is why we use casts or splints to provide support.

For children under the age of 16, they are usually advised to wear a cast or splint for 4-6 weeks.

How long do I need to wear my splint/cast for?

This will depend on the type of break you have, how severe it is, and whether or not you have had surgery. Your hand therapist will advise you on the timeframe required based on the type of break you have.

What will happen if I take my splint or cast off too soon?

Removing your cast or splint before your bone has healed properly increases the risk that your bone may not heal correctly or in a good position, and can increase your risk of re-injury or re-breaking your bone. This can lead to problems such as ongoing pain, restricted movement, or even the need for surgery. We would definitely prefer to avoid this for you and your loved ones.

Can I go swimming or shower with my cast or splint on?

There are a couple of answers to this question.

If your cast is WATERPROOF, yes, you can shower and go swimming with your cast on. However, if you go swimming in a river or the ocean it is important to rinse your cast afterwards so sand or debris doesn't stay inside it and irritate your skin.

If your cast is not waterproof, it is best not to get it wet for the duration you are required to wear it, as getting it wet can impact the integrity of the cast and cause problems with the skin underneath. It is best to place a plastic bag or covering over your cast while showering to keep it dry.

If you have a splint, it can get wet, however the velcro isn't waterproof. If you shower or go swimming in your splint, make sure the splint and your skin are completely dry afterwards to avoid any skin irritation.

If you are unsure whether you can go swimming with your cast or splint, contact your hand therapist for advice.

Will I need surgery if I break my wrist?

The need for surgery after breaking a bone in your wrist depends on how severe your break is. Once you have had an x-ray, it is then decided whether you will need surgery or not.

Can I move my wrist while it's broken?

If you have broken your wrist and do not need surgery, moving the wrist too soon can slow down healing and even make the break worse. If you have had surgery and had plates and screws put in to help your bones heal, you may be able to move a little sooner; this will also depend on the surgery and the type of break you have. Your hand therapist will advise you on when it is best to start moving your wrist after it has healed.

Can I drive with a broken wrist?

If you have broken your wrist and are required to wear a cast or splint, it is best not to drive until you no longer need it and have good movement and strength to control the car safely. Removing your cast or splint to drive too soon can increase the chance that your bones won't heal properly, as driving requires movement of the wrist.

If you are unsure about driving after breaking your wrist, contact your GP, specialist, or hand therapist to discuss this further.

Will my broken wrist increase my chances of getting arthritis?

This is a tricky one. The risk of developing arthritis after a broken bone depends on which part of the bone has been broken. For example, if you have broken the shaft (the middle) of the bone, it is unlikely to increase your risk of developing arthritis. Whereas if you have broken the part of the bone that forms part of a joint, this may increase the risk of arthritis in the future, depending on the type and severity of the break.

How much therapy will I need after my broken wrist?

The amount of therapy you will require depends on a few things. Here at Riverina Hand Therapy we focus on helping you achieve your goals and return to doing the things you love after an injury. Your therapist will work with you to improve your movement and strength after a broken wrist, and will provide you with a tailored program to help you get there.

Do I need a cast or a splint?

As a general rule, adults can usually have a splint that can be adjusted for comfort and removed for showering. Children usually require a cast to protect the fracture, as casts are more rigid and less likely to be removed, since young children may be tempted to take a splint off and not put it back on.

I haven't had an x-ray, can you help?

Yes! Hand therapists can refer for x-rays. So if you have injured your wrist and are unsure of what to do, we can provide a thorough assessment and refer you for an x-ray to determine if you have broken any bones.

Have questions about your hand or wrist injury? Our experienced hand therapists at Riverina Hand Therapy are here to help. Call us on 02 6925 0157 or visit riverinahandtherapy.com.au to book an appointment.

This information is general in nature and is intended to support, not replace, individual advice from your treating health professional. Everyone's injury and recovery are different, so please contact your GP, specialist, or your hand therapist at Riverina Hand Therapy if you have concerns about your condition.