How Do You Know if You Fractured Your Wrist?

iStock 1145121584 If you fell on your wrist or got injured during recreational sports, you may have a broken wrist. This injury involves a fracture or crack in one or more of the bones in your wrist. This type of injury is quite common among children and adults alike. It can happen when you try to break your fall when skateboarding, rollerblading, riding a horse, etc. It’s happened to people during home construction or home renovation projects. People who play contact sports or engage in high-intensity sports like skiing, rock climbing, and mountain biking are also at risk for wrist fractures, although anyone can experience it.

Are You Experiencing a Broken Wrist?

Although a wrist injury at face value seems like it would be a traumatic event, some people don’t immediately realize a break has occurred. Over the following hours and days, these symptoms may appear:

  • Difficulty using your wrist and hand
  • Extreme pain when flexing or using your wrist
  • Reduced ability to grip things
  • An obvious change in the appearance of your wrist area (something just looks “off” or bent)
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Bruising
  • Tingling and/or numbness in the fingertips

Sometimes a person with a broken wrist is still able to use it, even though they may have some pain and swelling. Because they can still use their wrists, they may assume a break hasn’t occurred. That’s why it’s important to call Orthopedic Associates of Long Island if you experience the symptoms above. We can diagnose a broken wrist by examining it and taking x-rays. The sooner it’s treated the better, since early intervention helps ensure the bones heal in proper alignment.

Treatment most often involves splinting followed by wearing a cast. Some cases require surgery. Our doctors may need to realign the bones first, if the injury is more serious than a hairline fracture. 

What to Do Next

If you think you have a broken wrist, please contact Orthopedic Associates of Long Island to find out how we can help you. Diagnosis and treatment will help everything heal correctly, preventing the chances of long-term discomfort, stiffness, and limited use of the wrist. You can reach us at 631-689-6698.

Get in Touch

* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Our Offices

MAIN OFFICE

6 Technology Drive
Suite 100
East Setauket, NY 11733

COMMACK

500 Commack Road
Suite 150B
Commack, NY 11725

RIVERHEAD

715 Roanoke Ave.
Building A, Ste. 3
Riverhead, NY 11901

WADING RIVER

6144 Route 25A
Building A Suite 4 & 5
Wading River, NY 11792

CENTEREACH

2112 Middle
Country Road
Centereach, NY 11720

PATCHOGUE

55 Medford Avenue
Suite E
Patchogue, NY 11772

SOUTHAMPTON

325 Meeting House Lane
Building One
Southampton, NY 11968

WEST BABYLON

60 Fleets Point Drive
Suite 1
West Babylon, NY 11704

Accessibility Toolbar

Close
OALI Walk In Hours
Scroll to Top