Colles’ wrist fracture

Overview on Colles’ wrist fracture

Fact Checked

A Colles’ wrist fracture is a condition where the radius bone found in the forearm breaks. Generally, this condition causes abnormal bending of the wrist. It causes severe pain and difficulty holding or gripping anything due to swelling of the wrist. Furthermore, this condition is likely to occur among older people and children with fragile bones.

Symptoms of Colles’ wrist fracture

  • Severe wrist pain
  • Swelling and bruising of the area
  • Tingling and numbness sensation in the fingers
  • The extremity or fingers becomes pale

Causes and risk factors

  • Osteoporosis
  • Elderly people
  • Diminished muscle strength or lack agility and poor balance makes a person prone to falling.
  • Deficiency in calcium or vitamin D
  • Walking or performing activities on ice or snow that requires plenty of forward motion.

Treatment

Colles’ wrist fracture
Tingling and numbness sensation in the fingers.
  • Avoid moving the affected wrist after the injury. Wear a splint to prevent unnecessary movements and delays the healing. The splint should be as long as the forearm, wrist and the hand. A splint can be in the form of a ruler or a folded newspaper. Place the arm on the splint, leave it at the angle that it was bent. Wrap the lower arm and the wrist using an Ace bandage. A scarf or a bandana can also be used to wrap the affected area. Avoid wrapping it too tight to prevent problems with circulation and worsen the condition.
  • Apply ice compress on the affected wrist. Make ice compress by placing ice in plastic bag and wrap it in towel before placing to the area for at least 10 minutes at a time to lessen the swelling and the pain.
  • Use the given over-the-counter medication to lower the swelling and pain.
  • Consult a physical therapist for a rehabilitation regimen to reinforce the wrist, lessen the pain and restore range of movement.

Tips

  • Increase eating foods rich in calcium, dark and green leafy vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
  • Perform regular exercises to strengthen the muscles and bones such as jogging and weight lifting.
  • Wear a wrist guard when performing activities to prevent the risk of colles’ wrist fracture. It will also protect the wrist when falling.

Disclaimer / More Information

The material posted on this page on Colles’ wrist fracture is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize the signs of the injury and how it is managed by taking a first aid and CPR class with one of our training providers.

FACT CHECK

https://www.healthline.com/health/colles-wrist-fracture

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318366.php

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/distal-radius-fractures-broken-wrist/

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