Broken Wrist: What to do, what to expect during recovery and how Hand Therapy can help
Updated: Sep 15
A broken wrist can happen from a fall, sports injury, car accident, or even a simple slip. If you've
recently been told you have a wrist fracture — or you're wondering whether you've broken your
wrist — you may have questions about what happens next.
How long will it take to heal? Will you need surgery? When can you move your wrist again? And do you need hand therapy?
Here's what you need to know about recovering from a broken wrist and where hand therapy can
help.
How do I know if my wrist is broken?
Common signs of a wrist fracture include:
Sudden pain at the time of injury, particularly when trying to move or grip
Swelling around the wrist
Bruising that may extend into the hand or fingers
Difficulty moving the wrist or turning your palm up and down
Tenderness around the wrist
Visible deformity, where the wrist looks bent or out of position
Common Myth: “I Can Move It, So It’s Not Broken”
Not necessarily. Being able to move your wrist does not mean it isn't broken, and a fracture
doesn't always cause severe pain. Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the
injury.
The only way to confirm a fracture is through appropriate medical assessment and imaging, usually
an X-ray. If you're unsure whether you've broken your wrist, don't rely on how much you can move
it or how much it hurts — get it assessed.
Seek medical assessment promptly if you have significant swelling, an obvious deformity,
severe pain, or numbness or changes in sensation in your fingers.
What's the most common type of wrist fracture?
One of the most common wrist fractures involves the radius, the larger of the two bones in your
forearm. A fracture near the wrist is called a distal radius fracture.
Wrist fractures can occur at any age, from simple falls to high-impact injuries. Treatment depends
on the location, severity and stability of the fracture.
Does a broken wrist need a cast or surgery?
Not every wrist fracture requires surgery.
Depending on the type and position of the fracture, treatment may involve:
Cast or splint
Some fractures can be treated by keeping the wrist protected and immobilised while the bone
heals. Your doctor or specialist will determine how long you need to wear a cast or splint.
Our hand therapists can make waterproof and non-waterproof casts, as well as custom-made
thermoplastic splints, designed to fit your individual wrist and hand.
Surgery
Some fractures require surgery to restore the position of the bones and keep them stable while
they heal. This may involve plates, screws or other fixation methods.
Your treatment will depend on your X-rays, the stability and position of the fracture, your individual
circumstances and your treating specialist's recommendations.
Once the fracture has been appropriately treated, rehabilitation becomes an important part of
getting your hand and wrist functioning again.
How long does a broken wrist take to heal?
Recovery varies depending on the type of fracture, your age and health, whether surgery was
required, and how your wrist responds to treatment.
Although the bone may heal over several weeks, being medically healed doesn't necessarily
mean your wrist is back to normal.
After a period of immobilisation, it's common to experience:
Wrist and forearm stiffness
Swelling
Reduced grip strength
Reduced wrist movement
Weakness
Difficulty with everyday activities
Pain or sensitivity
Scar tightness following surgery
For some people, recovery can continue for several months as strength, movement and
confidence gradually return.
Why might I need hand therapy after a broken wrist?
This is an important part of recovery that many people don't realise they may need.
Your wrist has often spent weeks being protected and relatively still. While this allows the fracture
to heal, it can also lead to stiffness, weakness and swelling.
A hand therapist specialises in rehabilitation of the hand, wrist and upper limb and can help you
safely work towards restoring movement and function after your fracture.
Depending on your injury and treatment, hand therapy may include:
Custom-made thermoplastic splints designed specifically for your wrist and hand
Custom casts, including waterproof and non-waterproof options
Exercises to restore wrist and finger movement
Strengthening to rebuild grip and overall hand strength
Swelling management
Scar management following surgery
Hands-on treatment to help improve movement where appropriate
Functional rehabilitation to help you return to work, sport and everyday activities
A personalised home exercise program to support your recovery between appointments
Your therapist will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your injury, stage of
healing and individual goals.
The aim isn't simply to get your wrist moving. It's to help you use your hand confidently again for
the things that matter to you.
When should I start hand therapy after a wrist fracture?
The timing of therapy depends on your fracture, how it was treated and the instructions from your
doctor or surgeon.
In some cases, hand therapy may begin while you're still in a cast or splint. Your therapist may
work on keeping your fingers, elbow and shoulder moving and help manage swelling.
After surgery, therapy may begin relatively soon, but the timing and type of exercises will be guided
by your surgeon's rehabilitation protocol and the stability of your repair.
Your hand therapist will work within these restrictions and gradually progress your rehabilitation as
your wrist heals.
Will my wrist go back to normal?
Many people make a very good recovery after a wrist fracture, but recovery is different for
everyone.
Some people regain their movement and strength relatively quickly, while others may experience
stiffness, weakness, swelling or discomfort for longer — particularly after more complex fractures
or surgery.
The goal of rehabilitation is to help you regain as much movement, strength and function as
possible and safely return to the activities you need and enjoy.
If your wrist is still stiff, weak or painful after your fracture has healed, it isn't necessarily something
you simply have to live with. A hand therapist can assess your wrist and help determine what may
be limiting your recovery.
Recovering from a broken wrist
If you've recently broken your wrist, had surgery, come out of a cast, or are struggling with ongoing
stiffness or weakness, hand therapy may be an important part of your recovery.
Our hand therapists can assess your individual needs and develop a rehabilitation program to help
you work towards getting back to everyday activities, work, hobbies and sport.
Not sure whether hand therapy is right for you? Contact us and we can help you understand the
next step.
Important information
This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for individual medical
assessment or advice. The appropriate treatment and timing of rehabilitation will vary depending
on your injury and individual circumstances. If you have an acute wrist injury, significant pain,
swelling, deformity, numbness or other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical
assessment.
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