People can injure their wrists in several ways. For example, a person can use his hand to stop a fall, allowing the wrist to take the weight of his falling body. A strong, sudden twist to the wrist can also cause a fracture. One of the best, immediate remedies for a fractured wrist can be to apply ice on the affected area to control the swelling.
Swelling
When a person sustains an injury to his wrist such as a fracture, swelling usually occurs. The swelling will be at the location of the fracture. This affected area will larger or more puffy than other areas of the wrist.
Heat
The bones that are most commonly involved in a wrist fracture are the radius, the ulna and the scaphoid bones. The radius and ulna are located approximately where the wrist and arm meet. The scaphoid bone is located at the base of the hand. If warmth is felt in these areas, this could mean a fracture has occurred.
Pain
If pain is felt after a fall or twist to the wrist, this could indicate a fracture. The pain may be persistent and is usually felt immediately. The affected area may feel tender as well. A physician may recommend aspirin to allay this discomfort.
Discoloration
Discoloration or bruising may be seen at the site of a fractured wrist. The discoloration or bruising will commonly change the color of the skin from flesh color to a more black-and-blue appearance.
Limited Mobility
When a person fractures her wrist, she will experience limited mobility. It will be difficult to move the wrist easily in any direction. Movement of the fingers to grip or grab hold of an object will also prove to be difficult.
Deformity
A fractured wrist may have the appearance of being deformed. The wrist can be bent in an odd way away from the body. This can be a result of the bones themselves being bent in a different direction from the way they would normally appear. A person with a wrist that appears deformed should be seen by a physician as soon as possible.
What to Do Next
When an injury to the wrist occurs, the person should not try to move the wrist at all. A medical professional should be notified as soon as possible to examine and X-ray the wrist. This will help determine the extent of the injury and proper course of treatment.
Tags: affected area, fractured wrist, injury wrist, move wrist, radius ulna