What can I expect after a Colles fracture?
What to Expect. You will likely get a splint to keep your wrist from moving. If you have a small fracture and the bone pieces do not move out of place, you will likely wear a splint for 3 to 5 weeks. Some breaks may require you to wear a cast for about 6 to 8 weeks.
How long does a Colles fracture take to heal?
A Colles’ wrist fracture can take a year or more to fully heal. Your cast will typically be removed about six weeks after surgery in a child, but relatively soon after surgery in an adult to mobilize the joint. You should be able to do light activities about a month or two after your cast is removed.
How long does pain last after distal radius surgery?
After the cast is removed, it’s normal for the wrist to be stiff for 1 to 2 months. For some patients—such as those who are older, have osteoarthritis, or were victims of a high energy break such as from a car accident— this stiffness may last up to 2 years.
How long will my wrist hurt after fracture?
A cast might be needed for six to eight weeks, and sometimes even longer depending on the severity of the break. More severe breaks may take as long as six months to fully heal. Discomfort or pain may continue for months or even years after your injury.
How long after broken wrist can you drive?
The timeframes suggested by surgeons after which patients could return to driving following a wrist fracture varied from zero to 12 weeks following the injury.
Why is Colles fracture so common?
What causes a Colles fracture? Colles fractures are most common as the result of a fall on an outstretched hand, or as the result of trauma. A Colles fracture requires the wrist be extended during the injury, while a fall on a flexed wrist would result in something called a Smith’s fracture.
How soon after wrist surgery should you start physical therapy?
In most cases, physical therapy needs to wait until your cast is removed—typically around the six-week mark. If the healing process is going well, your physical therapist may introduce more aggressive therapeutic exercises.
Which nerve is affected in Colles fracture?
A Colles’ fracture is a type of fracture of the distal forearm in which the broken end of the radius is bent backwards. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, deformity, and bruising. Complications may include damage to the median nerve.
Should I move my fingers after wrist surgery?
Start to exercise your fingers, thumb, elbow and shoulder immediately after surgery. It is important to keep these joints moving to stop them from stiffening. Initially, it might feel uncomfortable to do these exercises but with regular practice they will become easier and your movement will improve.
Do you need physical therapy after broken wrist?
Distal radius fractures—as these injuries are called—are often serious and may require surgery, but regardless of what treatment is needed, physical therapy will be essential to ensure that you have a complete recovery.
What bone is affected by a Colles’ fracture?
A Colles’ fracture — or distal radius fracture — is often called a ”broken wrist.” Technically, it’s a break in the larger of the two bones in your forearm. The bone breaks on the lower end, close to where it connects to the bones of the hand on the thumb side of the wrist.
Can I play tennis after a Colles fracture?
After it heals: If a colles fracture has healed in adequate alignment, a patient can expect to return to full function including playing tennis. Healing should be con…
What exactly is a distal radius or Colles’ fracture?
Distal radius fractures are one of the most common types of bone fractures.