Wrist and Forearm Fracture: Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery Guide

What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Wrist or Forearm?

The main symptoms of a broken wrist or forearm include intense pain at the injury site, rapid swelling around the fracture, difficulty or inability to move the wrist or arm, visible deformity or abnormal angulation, bruising, and sometimes numbness or tingling in the fingers. Symptoms can vary significantly depending on the severity and location of the fracture.

When you sustain a fracture to your wrist or forearm, your body responds immediately with a cascade of protective responses. The most prominent symptom is pain, which can range from moderate discomfort with minor hairline fractures to severe, debilitating pain with displaced fractures. This pain typically intensifies when you attempt to move the affected area or when pressure is applied.

Swelling develops rapidly after a fracture occurs, usually within the first few hours. This is your body's inflammatory response to the injury, as blood vessels around the damaged bone become more permeable, allowing fluid to accumulate in the surrounding tissues. The swelling serves a protective purpose by immobilizing the area naturally, but it can also cause significant discomfort and restrict movement.

Visual changes are common with wrist and forearm fractures. In many cases, you may notice visible deformity, where the wrist or forearm appears bent at an unnatural angle. This is particularly common with displaced fractures where the bone fragments have shifted from their normal position. Bruising typically develops within 24-48 hours as blood from damaged vessels spreads under the skin, often appearing as purple, blue, or greenish discoloration.

Neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the fingers can occur if the fracture affects nearby nerves. The median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel, is particularly vulnerable in wrist fractures. If you experience persistent numbness or an inability to move your fingers, this warrants immediate medical attention as it may indicate nerve compression.

Symptoms in Adults

Adult wrist fractures typically present with significant pain when attempting to move the wrist or rotate the forearm. Many adults report hearing or feeling a "crack" or "snap" at the moment of injury. The affected wrist often appears noticeably swollen and may have a characteristic "dinner fork" deformity in Colles fractures, where the wrist bends backward. Adults may also experience difficulty gripping objects or may find it impossible to bear weight through the affected arm.

Pain with palpation (touching) is a hallmark sign, particularly over the distal radius bone on the thumb side of the wrist. This tenderness is usually localized to the specific area of the fracture and can help healthcare providers determine the likely location of the injury before imaging studies are performed.

Symptoms in Children

Children who break their forearm or wrist experience pain when moving the arm and may instinctively hold the injured arm still with their other hand for protection. The arm may appear visibly crooked or angulated. In some cases, particularly with severe fractures, the bone may break through the skin (open fracture), which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

It's important to note that children may not always be able to articulate their pain clearly. Watch for behavioral signs such as refusing to use the arm, crying when the arm is touched, or guarding the injury by keeping the arm close to the body. Children may also experience nausea or appear pale after the injury due to the body's pain response.

• Pain: Intense discomfort at the fracture site that worsens with movement or pressure
• Swelling: Rapid onset of swelling around the wrist or forearm within hours of injury
• Limited mobility: Difficulty or inability to move the wrist, rotate the forearm, or grip objects
• Visible deformity: Unnatural angulation or bending of the wrist or arm
• Bruising: Discoloration that typically develops within 24-48 hours
• Tenderness: Pain when the area is touched, especially over the bone
• Numbness or tingling: Sensory changes in the fingers that may indicate nerve involvement

When Should You Seek Medical Care for a Wrist Injury?

Seek immediate medical care if your wrist or forearm is visibly swollen and very painful after a fall. Go to an emergency department if the bone has broken through the skin, there is severe bleeding, the limb appears deformed, or you cannot feel or move your fingers. For less severe injuries, an urgent care clinic or doctor's office within 24 hours is appropriate.

Determining when to seek medical care after a wrist injury can be challenging, as symptoms can vary widely between minor sprains and serious fractures. However, there are clear guidelines that can help you make this important decision. Understanding when emergency care is necessary versus when you can safely wait for a scheduled appointment can ensure you receive appropriate treatment while avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits.

The timing of medical care can significantly impact your outcome. Fractures that are properly immobilized early tend to heal better and with fewer complications than those where treatment is delayed. Conversely, attempting to "walk off" a significant fracture or delaying care can lead to increased swelling, more difficult reduction (bone realignment), and potentially longer healing times.

It's worth noting that the appearance of an injury doesn't always correlate with its severity. Some significant fractures may cause relatively little visible deformity, while some minor injuries can appear quite dramatic initially. This is why professional evaluation with imaging studies is essential for any suspected fracture.

Urgent Care Required (Within 24 Hours)

Most wrist fractures do not require emergency room care but should be evaluated within 24 hours. Contact an urgent care clinic or schedule an appointment with your doctor if your wrist or forearm is significantly swollen and painful after a fall, but you can still move your fingers and feel sensation in them. If the injury occurs in the middle of the night or far from a hospital, you can typically wait a few hours to seek care without significant risk, provided the injury is properly immobilized.

Apply ice wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling, immobilize the arm with a makeshift sling or by resting it on a pillow, and avoid putting weight on the injured arm while awaiting medical evaluation. Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage discomfort during this waiting period.

Care for Children

If a child has fallen, has pain in the arm, and refuses to use the arm, seek medical evaluation promptly. Children should not eat or drink anything before seeking care for a suspected fracture because they may need sedation or anesthesia for treatment. You can give children acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain even if they need to fast, but avoid ibuprofen until directed by a healthcare provider.

Children are generally more resilient than adults in terms of fracture healing, but prompt evaluation is still important to ensure proper alignment and prevent growth plate injuries, which could affect bone development if not properly treated.

What Can You Do for First Aid?

For first aid of a suspected wrist fracture, immobilize the arm in a comfortable position, apply ice wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling, create a sling to support the arm, and take over-the-counter pain medication if needed. Do not attempt to straighten a visibly deformed wrist, and keep the arm elevated above heart level when possible.

Proper first aid care for a suspected wrist or forearm fracture can significantly reduce pain, prevent further injury, and potentially improve healing outcomes. The primary goals of first aid are to minimize movement of the injured area, reduce swelling, manage pain, and prepare for transport to a medical facility. Understanding these basic principles can help you respond effectively in an emergency situation.

The most important principle of fracture first aid is immobilization. When a bone is broken, the surrounding muscles, blood vessels, and nerves are vulnerable to further damage from the sharp edges of bone fragments. By keeping the injured area as still as possible, you prevent additional tissue damage and reduce pain caused by movement of the fractured bone ends.

It's essential to remember that first aid is temporary care designed to bridge the gap between injury and professional medical treatment. While these measures can provide significant comfort and protection, they do not replace the need for professional evaluation, imaging studies, and appropriate treatment by a healthcare provider.

Immediate First Aid Steps

Begin by helping the injured person find a comfortable position. Do not attempt to straighten or reposition a visibly deformed wrist or arm, as this can cause additional damage to soft tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. Instead, support the arm in whatever position is most comfortable for the patient.

Create a makeshift sling to support and immobilize the arm. You can do this by folding a scarf, shirt, or any available fabric into a triangle and tying it around the neck. The goal is to keep the arm comfortably supported against the body, which reduces movement and pain. Alternatively, have the person hold their injured arm against their chest with their uninjured hand.

Apply a cold compress to help reduce swelling and pain. Use ice wrapped in a thin cloth or towel - never apply ice directly to skin as this can cause cold injury. Apply the cold compress for 15-20 minutes at a time, with breaks of at least 20 minutes between applications. This helps constrict blood vessels and reduce the inflammatory response.

Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage discomfort while awaiting medical care. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is generally safe and effective for fracture pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can also be used, though some healthcare providers recommend avoiding them immediately after a fracture as they may theoretically interfere with bone healing, although this remains debated in medical literature.

Keep the injured arm elevated above the level of the heart when possible. This uses gravity to help reduce blood flow to the injured area, which can decrease swelling. Use pillows to support the arm in an elevated position, especially when lying down or sitting.

What Happens in the Body During a Wrist Fracture?

The forearm contains two bones: the radius (on the thumb side) and the ulna (on the pinky side). In a wrist fracture, the distal (lower) end of the radius near the wrist is most commonly affected. The severity ranges from minor hairline cracks that heal quickly to complex fractures requiring surgery and extended recovery.

Understanding the anatomy of the wrist and forearm helps explain why certain fractures occur and how they're treated. The forearm is composed of two parallel bones that work together to allow the complex movements of rotation and bending that we use constantly in daily activities. These bones, along with the associated muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, form an intricate system that is vulnerable to injury from falls and trauma.

The radius is the larger of the two forearm bones and runs from the elbow down to the thumb side of the wrist. It plays a crucial role in forearm rotation and bears approximately 80% of the load transmitted through the wrist. This is why the distal radius (the end near the wrist) is the most common site for forearm fractures - when you fall on an outstretched hand, the force is transmitted primarily through this bone.

The ulna is the smaller bone that runs parallel to the radius on the pinky side of the forearm. It forms part of the elbow joint and contributes to wrist stability. While ulna fractures can occur, they are less common than radius fractures in falls.

When a fracture occurs, the bone's structural integrity is compromised. The severity of this compromise varies dramatically. Simple hairline fractures (stress fractures) may involve only a small crack in the bone surface, while more severe fractures can shatter the bone into multiple fragments or cause the bone ends to shift significantly out of alignment. The pattern and severity of the fracture determine the treatment approach and expected recovery time.

How Children's Fractures Differ from Adults

Both children and adults can sustain arm and wrist fractures, but the patterns and healing characteristics differ significantly due to fundamental differences in bone structure. Understanding these differences is important for appropriate treatment expectations.

Children's bones are more flexible and porous than adult bones, which leads to several unique characteristics. First, children often sustain "greenstick" fractures where the bone bends and cracks on one side but doesn't break completely through - similar to how a green branch bends rather than snapping. These fractures are treated similarly to complete fractures but often heal faster.

Children also have growth plates (physes) near the ends of their bones - areas of developing cartilage that are responsible for bone growth. These areas are structurally weaker than mature bone and can be vulnerable to fracture. Fractures involving the growth plate require careful attention because improper healing could affect the child's bone growth and development.

The good news is that children's bones heal remarkably quickly compared to adults. A fracture that takes 6 weeks to heal in an adult may heal in just 3-4 weeks in a child. Additionally, children's bones have the ability to remodel during growth, meaning that some degree of misalignment can actually correct itself over time as the child continues to grow. This doesn't mean treatment isn't necessary, but it does provide some margin for imperfect healing.

The Healing Process

Bone healing is a complex biological process that occurs in several stages. Immediately after a fracture, the body initiates an inflammatory response that brings blood, nutrients, and specialized cells to the injury site. A blood clot (hematoma) forms around the fracture, which serves as a scaffold for new tissue formation.

Over the following weeks, the body produces new soft bone tissue called callus, which bridges the gap between the broken bone ends. This callus initially feels like a hard lump at the fracture site - this is normal and indicates healing is occurring. The soft callus gradually mineralizes and is remodeled into mature bone over several months to a year.

Complete bone remodeling - the process by which the new bone is reshaped to match the original bone structure - can take up to a year or more. During this time, the bone continues to strengthen and the visible bump from the callus typically becomes less prominent.

How Are Wrist and Forearm Fractures Diagnosed?

Wrist and forearm fractures are diagnosed through physical examination and imaging studies, primarily X-rays. The doctor will examine the arm by feeling along the bone for tenderness and deformity, assess nerve function and blood flow, and order X-rays to confirm the fracture and determine its type and severity.

The diagnostic process for a suspected wrist or forearm fracture typically begins with a thorough physical examination. This examination provides valuable information about the nature and severity of the injury before any imaging studies are performed. While modern imaging technology is essential for confirming fractures, the clinical examination remains a crucial component of the diagnostic process.

During the physical examination, the healthcare provider will visually inspect the injured arm, looking for signs of swelling, bruising, deformity, and skin integrity. They will carefully feel (palpate) along the bones to identify areas of maximum tenderness, which often correspond to the fracture site. The examination also includes assessment of nerve function (checking sensation in the fingers) and blood flow (checking pulse and finger color) to ensure no vital structures have been damaged.

If a fracture is suspected based on the clinical examination, X-rays (radiographs) are the primary imaging study used to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays provide detailed images of bone structure and can reveal the location, type, and severity of a fracture. Multiple views (typically at least two angles) are taken to fully characterize the fracture pattern.

Physical Examination

The physical examination begins with a careful inspection of the injured arm. The healthcare provider looks for visible deformity, swelling, bruising, and any breaks in the skin. They compare the injured arm to the uninjured arm to identify subtle differences that might indicate a fracture.

Palpation involves gently feeling along the bones of the forearm and wrist. This can be uncomfortable, but it provides important information about the likely location of the fracture. Areas of point tenderness (specific spots that are particularly painful when pressed) often correspond directly to fracture sites.

Neurological and vascular assessment is crucial. The provider will test sensation in the fingers, check for normal finger movement, and assess blood flow by feeling the pulse and checking finger color and temperature. This helps identify any nerve or blood vessel damage that may require urgent attention.

X-ray Examination

X-rays are the gold standard for diagnosing bone fractures. When a fracture is suspected, multiple X-ray views of the wrist and forearm are taken. These typically include anteroposterior (front-to-back) and lateral (side) views. The X-rays show the bones in detail and reveal any breaks, cracks, or displacement.

For most fractures, standard X-rays provide all the information needed for diagnosis and treatment planning. The X-ray shows not only whether a fracture is present but also important details about the fracture pattern, including whether the bone fragments are displaced (shifted from their normal position) and how the fracture line runs through the bone.

Parents or caregivers can usually remain with their child during the examination and X-ray procedure. However, you may need to wear a protective lead apron or step out of the room briefly when the X-ray images are taken to avoid radiation exposure.

Advanced Imaging

In some cases, additional imaging studies may be needed. CT (computed tomography) scans provide more detailed, three-dimensional images of the fracture and are particularly useful for complex fractures involving the wrist joint or when surgical planning requires precise anatomical information.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is occasionally used when there's concern about associated soft tissue injuries (ligament or tendon damage) or when X-rays are normal but clinical suspicion for a fracture remains high (as can occur with some subtle fractures that aren't immediately visible on X-rays).

How Are Wrist and Forearm Fractures Treated in Adults?

Treatment depends on whether the bone fragments are displaced. Minor fractures and hairline cracks are treated with cast immobilization for 4-6 weeks. Displaced fractures may require manipulation under local anesthesia to realign the bones, followed by casting. Severe or unstable fractures may need surgery with plates, screws, or pins to hold the bones in proper position.

The treatment approach for adult wrist and forearm fractures depends primarily on the fracture's characteristics - specifically, whether the bone fragments are in acceptable alignment or whether they need to be repositioned (reduced) for proper healing. The goal of treatment is to restore the bone to proper alignment and immobilize it long enough for healing to occur, while minimizing complications and optimizing long-term function.

Modern orthopedic treatment for wrist fractures has evolved significantly, with multiple options available depending on the specific fracture pattern, patient factors (age, activity level, overall health), and individual preferences. Treatment decisions are typically made collaboratively between the patient and healthcare provider after discussing the options, expected outcomes, and potential risks of each approach.

Regardless of the treatment method chosen, patient cooperation with post-treatment instructions is crucial for successful outcomes. This includes keeping follow-up appointments, following activity restrictions, and participating in rehabilitation exercises as prescribed.

Cast Treatment for Minor Fractures

For minor fractures or hairline cracks where the bones are in good alignment, treatment typically involves immobilization with a cast or splint. This provides stability to the fracture site and allows the bone to heal naturally. The most common approach uses a short arm cast that covers the forearm and wrist while leaving the fingers and elbow free.

The typical duration of cast immobilization for adult wrist fractures is approximately 4-6 weeks. During this time, follow-up X-rays are usually taken (often around 1-2 weeks after the initial injury) to ensure the bones remain properly aligned as healing progresses.

Closed Reduction

If the fracture is displaced (the bone fragments have shifted from their normal position), a procedure called closed reduction may be necessary. During this procedure, the patient receives local anesthesia to numb the area, and the healthcare provider manipulates the bones back into proper alignment by applying carefully directed pressure and traction.

After closed reduction, a cast is applied to maintain the alignment while the bone heals. Follow-up X-rays are taken approximately 10-14 days later to confirm that the bones have remained in proper position. If the fracture has shifted during this time, additional intervention may be necessary.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be recommended for more severe fractures, particularly those that are unstable (likely to shift even in a cast), involve the wrist joint surface, or cannot be adequately aligned through closed reduction. Surgical options include:

• Internal fixation with plate and screws: A metal plate is attached to the bone with screws to hold the fragments in proper position. This is the most common surgical approach for adult wrist fractures and allows for early movement of the wrist.
• Percutaneous pinning: Metal pins are inserted through the skin to hold bone fragments in place. The pins are typically removed in the clinic after 4-6 weeks.
• External fixation: A metal frame is attached outside the body with pins that extend into the bone. This approach is used for particularly complex or severe fractures.

Recovery After Cast Removal

After the cast is removed, most patients experience significant stiffness and weakness in the wrist and hand. This is normal and expected after weeks of immobilization. The wrist may still be somewhat swollen, and pain with movement is common initially.

A removable wrist brace or splint may be provided for additional support during the early weeks after cast removal. This can help manage pain and provide protection during the transition back to normal activities.

Rehabilitation exercises are crucial for regaining full function. These exercises focus on restoring range of motion, strength, and fine motor control. Your healthcare provider or a physical/occupational therapist can provide specific exercises tailored to your recovery stage. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for several weeks after cast removal, even if the wrist feels relatively good.

Complete recovery, including return to full strength and function, typically takes 3-6 months for adult wrist fractures. However, most people can return to many normal activities, including light work, within a few weeks of cast removal.

How Are Wrist and Forearm Fractures Treated in Children?

Children's fractures are treated similarly to adults, but with some important differences. Many pediatric fractures can be treated with casting alone because children's bones heal faster and can remodel during growth. Surgery using pins is sometimes necessary for displaced fractures, but plates are rarely needed. Children typically recover faster than adults and rarely need formal physical therapy.

Treatment of pediatric wrist and forearm fractures takes advantage of children's remarkable healing capacity while being mindful of their unique anatomy, particularly the growth plates. The treatment approach aims to achieve adequate bone alignment while minimizing intervention and allowing the child to return to normal activities as quickly as possible.

One significant advantage in pediatric fractures is the bone's ability to remodel during growth. This means that some degree of angulation or misalignment that would be unacceptable in an adult may be acceptable in a child because the bone will gradually straighten as the child grows. However, this does not mean that all pediatric fractures can be left to heal on their own - severe displacement still requires intervention.

The psychological aspects of treatment are also important in children. Healthcare providers are trained in child-friendly approaches to examination and treatment, and parents can usually stay with their child throughout the process to provide comfort and reassurance.

Non-Surgical Treatment

The majority of pediatric wrist and forearm fractures can be treated successfully without surgery. For fractures that are minimally displaced or in acceptable alignment, cast immobilization alone is usually sufficient. A well-padded cast provides stability and protection while allowing the bone to heal.

For displaced fractures, closed reduction (manipulating the bones back into position) under sedation or anesthesia may be necessary before casting. Children often receive conscious sedation or brief general anesthesia for this procedure to ensure comfort and allow for proper manipulation without the child moving.

Surgical Treatment

When surgery is necessary for pediatric fractures, it typically involves the use of metal pins (K-wires or Kirschner wires) to hold the bone fragments in proper position. These pins are placed through small incisions or even through the skin (percutaneously) and extend slightly outside the skin for easy removal later. Plates and screws, while common in adult fractures, are rarely needed in children.

After surgery, the child is taken to a recovery area where parents can be present. Some children may experience nausea when waking from anesthesia, but this typically resolves quickly. Most children can go home the same day, though some may need to stay overnight for observation.

Post-Treatment Care for Children

After treatment, keeping the hand elevated is important during the first few days to minimize swelling. Parents should monitor for signs that the cast may be too tight, including blue or white fingers, severe pain, or inability to move the fingers. If these signs occur, elevate the hand and contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Pain management in the first few days typically involves acetaminophen (paracetamol) or, if needed, prescription pain medications. Having the child sleep with the arm elevated on a pillow can help reduce nighttime discomfort.

Children are generally resilient and adapt quickly to having a cast. They can often return to school within a few days of the injury, though they should avoid physical activities that could result in falling on the cast or reinjuring the arm.

Cast Removal and Recovery

Cast removal typically occurs 3-6 weeks after the injury, depending on the specific fracture and healing progress. X-rays are usually taken approximately one week after casting to verify proper alignment, and again before cast removal to confirm healing.

If pins were placed, they are typically removed 4-6 weeks after surgery. This is done in the clinic and usually does not require anesthesia - while slightly uncomfortable, most children tolerate pin removal well.

Unlike adults, most children do not need formal physical therapy after wrist or forearm fractures. Children naturally return to full activity and regain strength and range of motion through normal play. Children with forearm fractures may have some elbow stiffness initially, and gentle exercises to restore elbow movement may be helpful.

Children should avoid activities with high risk of reinjury (contact sports, playground equipment, etc.) for at least 6 weeks after cast removal, or longer as directed by the healthcare provider. Most children can return to full sports participation within 6-10 weeks of the injury.

What Are the Possible Complications?

Most wrist fractures heal without significant problems, but possible complications include malunion (bone healing in improper position), stiffness, chronic pain, nerve damage, and post-traumatic arthritis. The risk of complications is higher with severe or complex fractures, inadequate treatment, or failure to follow rehabilitation recommendations.

While the majority of wrist and forearm fractures heal successfully with appropriate treatment, it's important to be aware of potential complications that can occur. Understanding these complications helps patients recognize when to seek additional medical attention and appreciate the importance of following treatment recommendations.

The likelihood of complications varies depending on the severity of the initial injury, the patient's overall health, the treatment provided, and how well the patient follows post-treatment instructions. Most complications can be managed effectively if identified early, which is why follow-up appointments and attention to symptoms are important during the recovery period.

Malunion and Nonunion

Malunion occurs when the bone heals in an improper position, resulting in deformity or malalignment. This can lead to ongoing pain, weakness, reduced range of motion, and functional limitations. Some degree of malunion may be acceptable, particularly in children, but significant malalignment may require additional treatment, potentially including surgery to rebreak and realign the bone (osteotomy).

Nonunion occurs when the bone fails to heal. This is relatively uncommon in wrist fractures but can occur, particularly in patients who smoke, have diabetes, or have certain other medical conditions that impair healing. Treatment typically requires surgery to stimulate healing.

Stiffness and Weakness

Stiffness after cast removal is extremely common and expected. Most patients experience limited range of motion and reduced grip strength initially. For most people, this improves significantly over several weeks to months with regular use and appropriate exercises. However, some patients may have persistent stiffness, particularly after severe fractures or prolonged immobilization.

Formal physical or occupational therapy may be recommended for patients who have difficulty regaining motion on their own or who need to return to high-demand activities quickly.

Nerve and Tendon Problems

The median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, can be affected by wrist fractures. Swelling from the injury can compress the nerve, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. This condition (acute carpal tunnel syndrome) may require urgent treatment to relieve pressure on the nerve.

Tendon problems, including tendonitis or rarely tendon rupture, can occur as a late complication of wrist fractures, particularly when hardware (plates or screws) is present. Symptoms include pain with certain movements, snapping sensations, or sudden loss of finger movement.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Fractures that involve the wrist joint surface can lead to post-traumatic arthritis, which may develop months to years after the injury. This occurs because damage to the smooth joint cartilage leads to progressive wear and inflammation. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling that may be worse with certain activities or weather changes.

How Can You Prevent Wrist and Forearm Fractures?

While many wrist fractures result from accidents that are difficult to prevent, you can reduce your risk by maintaining strong bones through proper nutrition and exercise, preventing falls through home safety measures, using protective equipment during sports, and addressing conditions like osteoporosis that weaken bones.

Preventing wrist and forearm fractures involves a two-pronged approach: reducing the likelihood of falls and impacts that cause fractures, and maintaining bone strength to reduce the severity of injuries when they do occur. While it's impossible to prevent all fractures, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk.

Fall prevention is particularly important for older adults, who are at higher risk for both falls and fragile bones. Simple modifications to the home environment and lifestyle can make a significant difference in fall risk. For younger people and athletes, proper technique, conditioning, and protective equipment during sports and activities are key preventive measures.

Maintaining Bone Health

Strong bones are more resistant to fracture. Maintaining bone health throughout life involves several key factors:

Adequate calcium and vitamin D: These nutrients are essential for bone health. Calcium is the primary mineral in bones, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Good dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods. Vitamin D is obtained from sunlight exposure and certain foods, but many people benefit from supplementation, particularly those in northern climates or who spend limited time outdoors.

Regular weight-bearing exercise: Physical activity stimulates bone formation and helps maintain bone density. Weight-bearing exercises (walking, jogging, dancing, stair climbing) and resistance training are particularly beneficial. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

Avoiding bone-damaging habits: Smoking significantly weakens bones and slows healing. Excessive alcohol consumption also negatively affects bone health. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take for your bone health.

Fall Prevention

Since falls are the most common cause of wrist fractures, preventing falls is crucial:

• Home safety: Remove loose rugs and clutter, ensure adequate lighting, install handrails on stairs, and use non-slip mats in bathrooms
• Footwear: Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles. Use traction devices on shoes in icy conditions
• Vision and medications: Regular vision checks and careful management of medications that cause dizziness can reduce fall risk
• Balance exercises: Activities like tai chi and balance training can improve stability and reduce fall risk

Sports and Activity Safety

For active individuals and athletes, appropriate precautions can prevent many wrist injuries. Use proper protective equipment, including wrist guards for activities like skateboarding, snowboarding, and inline skating. Learn proper falling techniques that distribute impact away from a single point. Ensure adequate conditioning and proper technique for your chosen activities.

Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment

Osteoporosis (reduced bone density) significantly increases fracture risk. Women over 65 and men over 70 should discuss bone density screening with their healthcare provider. Those at higher risk (family history, previous fracture, certain medications) may need earlier screening.

If osteoporosis is identified, various treatments are available to slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk. These include medications (bisphosphonates, denosumab, and others), along with lifestyle modifications and supplementation.