
The best way to prevent Colles’ fractures is by maintaining good bone health and wearing wrist guards during activities that can result in a fall, such as skateboarding. Another reason for this particular type of fracture is osteoporosis, a disorder that causes bones to weaken over time. The most common cause of a Colles’ fracture is a fall onto an outstretched arm. This fracture was first described in 1814 by an Irish surgeon and anatomist, Abraham Colles - hence the name Colles’ fracture. Same-Day Orthopaedic Appointments Now AvailableĪ Colles’ fracture, also known as a broken wrist, is when the distal radius breaks, causing it to tilt upward.PROMs (Patient-Reported Outcome Measures).You cannot move your fingers because of swelling or pain.You have numbness, tingling, or coldness in your hand or your fingers look dark.Pain or swelling continues to get worse or becomes severe.Your cast is falling apart or rubs or irritates your skin.

Your hand or arm is swollen above or below your cast or splint.When to Call the DoctorĪfter your arm is placed in a cast or splint, see your provider if: Some people have stiffness and pain in their wrist for the rest of their life. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year for your wrist to fully recover its function. However, if you don't have surgery, you may start wrist motion later to avoid shifting of the fracture. If you have surgery, you may start physical therapy earlier to avoid wrist stiffness. But doing the exercises you are given will speed your recovery. The work may seem hard and at times painful. You should start working with a physical therapist as soon as your provider recommends. It allows the bone to grow back together with better alignment. You will need physical therapy.Ĭlosed reduction is a procedure to set (reduce) a broken bone without surgery. The initial recovery from a wrist fracture can take 3 to 4 months or more. Typically, the provider or surgeon will want you to start moving your fingers as soon as possible after having surgery or the splint or cast put on. Talk with your provider about how much exercise to do and when you can do it.

It can help keep them from losing their function.

You can buy these pain medicines without a prescription.
Colles fracture closed skin#
