Distal Radius Wrist Fractures: Essential Tips for Rehabilitation

Are you grappling with persistent wrist pain following a fall, sports injury, or accident? You could be dealing with a distal radius wrist fracture, a common orthopaedic injury that can significantly impact your overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are effective strategies available to aid in restoring your wrist’s functionality. This article shares essential tips for rehabilitating distal radius wrist fractures, aiming to fast-track you to recovery. Keep reading on to learn more.

Early mobilisation 

  One of the fundamental principles of effective wrist fracture rehabilitation is early mobilisation. After stabilising the fracture through casting or surgery, it’s crucial to begin gentle movements and exercises at the earliest medically suitable time. This intervention contributes significantly to the prevention of joint stiffness and the promotion of better healing results. Initially, a series of range-of-motion exercises such as wrist flexion, extension, supination, and pronation are essential for restoring normal wrist function post-fracture. After which, under the supervision of a hand specialist, you can begin a structured rehabilitation program designed to gradually increase your range of motion while your wrist heals.

Gradual strengthening exercises

As your distal radius fracture recovers and your wrist gains more mobility while the initial swelling subsides, it’s the perfect time to integrate gradual strengthening exercises into your rehabilitation regimen. These exercises are designed to rebuild muscle strength and improve wrist stability, both crucial for resuming daily activities and reducing the risk of re-injury.  Some common strengthening exercises for distal radius wrist fractures include wrist curls using light weights or resistance bands, thumb opposition exercises, and grip strengthening routines with therapy putty or grippers. Start with a low level of resistance and work your way up as your wrist tolerance increases. Always be mindful of your body’s signals and refrain from exerting too much pressure, particularly during the early phases of your recuperation. 

Follow up care

  Regular appointments with your hand specialist for wrist fracture care are integral components of a successful rehabilitation journey. These appointments allow for ongoing assessment of your progress, adjustments to your treatment plan as needed, and personalised guidance on optimising your rehabilitation exercises. During follow-up visits, your healthcare team may perform strength and range of motion assessments, review X-rays to monitor bone healing, and provide recommendations for activity modifications or advancements in your exercise program. Openly communicating any concerns or challenges you face during rehabilitation ensures you receive the necessary support for a seamless recovery journey.

Learn more: The Common Hand & Wrist Injuries Due To A Fall & How To Treat Them | Advance Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre Navigating the recovery process after a distal radius wrist fracture requires patience, consistency, and proper guidance. With an effective wrist pain treatment plan in place, you’ll soon find yourself back to enjoying the activities you love, equipped with newfound resilience and appreciation for the healing journey. From wrist sprains to complex fractures, Dr. Jacqueline Tan, our hand specialist at Advanced Hand & Wrist Surgical Centre in Singapore, offers specialised treatments for effective relief and lasting recovery. Reach out today to find out more about our services and experience the transformative difference firsthand.