Broken Arm or Wrist during the Winter Freeze

When in the midst of our Winter and with icy conditions it’s a good idea to know what to do if you suspect you have fallen and fractured your arm or wrist.

The most important thing is to get it treated as soon as possible!

Signs of a broken arm or wrist include:

• severe pain and tenderness.
• bruising and swelling.
• difficulty moving the hand or arm.
• the wrist or arm being an odd shape.
• a snap or grinding noise at the time of injury.
• bleeding (if the bone has damaged the skin) – sometimes the bone may poke through the skin.
• tingling and numbness.

The shock and pain of breaking your wrist can make you feel faint, dizzy or sick.   If this is the case then please seek medical help from either a doctor or nurse. 

Suspected fractured wrist, get medical attention!

If you think you or someone else has a broken arm or wrist:

• go to  your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call 999 for an ambulance if it’s a bad break.
• avoid moving the affected arm as much as possible.
• stop any bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean pad or dressing.
• apply an ice pack (such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel).
• don’t eat or drink, in case you need surgery to fix the bone when you get to hospital. 

Expected treatment

When you arrive at the hospital, you’ll be given:

• painkillers and a support (splint).
• an x-ray to assess to see if you have a fracture and if so, what type.
• a plaster cast or removable splint will usually be applied.
• you may be given a sling to support your arm.
• sometimes the doctor may help realign the fracture.
• surgery may be carried out to realign the bones if fractured.
• you’ll be asked to attend follow-up appointments to check how your arm or wrist is healing, usually 4-8 weeks.

What to do once you have had the plaster removed

Once you have been seen in fracture clinic and been given the all clear that the fracture as healed it is time to get proactive:

• do some gentle exercises and stretches to reduce stiffness – our physiotherapist will advise you about these.
• get medical advice if you notice changes in your skin colour, unusual sensations in your arm or wrist, signs of infection (redness, swelling or smelly discharge), severe or continuous pain, or problems with your cast (it’s too loose, too tight or cracked).
• get advice about when you can return to driving or work.
• Your arm or wrist may be stiff and weak after the cast is removed. Physiotherapists can help with these problems.
• Symptoms can last several months or more.

With increased waiting times in our healthcare sector rehab can be delayed. However, at Orchard Physiotherapy Clinic we can start your rehab program to help you regain movement, strength and restore independence enabling you to return to your optimal daily function or sport.

If you are worried that you are not receiving the post-fracture assistance you need, then please give us a call and we can help!