Patient Information

What to expect after a wrist fracture

https://kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/information/what-to-expect-after-a-wrist-fracture

This information is designed to help people after a wrist fracture. The same advice applies whether or not you’ve had an operation.

What should I be doing while my wrist is in a cast?

It is your wrist that is broken, not your hand or elbow. Remember to move your fingers, elbow and shoulders often to prevent stiffness and maintain function.

Finger movements

Bend and straighten your fingers while in the cast.
Repeat 10 to 20 times.
Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.

Illustration of hand with fingers relaxed and then fingers straight

Elbow bending/straightening

Bend and straighten your elbow while in the cast.
Repeat 10 to 20 times.
Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.

Illustration of woman bending and straightening her arm from the elbow

Wrist rotation

Turn your palm alternately up and down.
Repeat 10 to 20 times.
Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.

Illustration of woman with arm bent at elbow and forearm out front, she is rotating her hand - palm up then palm down

Shoulder movement 1

Lift your arm up above your head as much as you can.
Repeat 10 to 20 times.
Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.

Illustration of woman sitting, raising her straight arm above her head and then down

Shoulder movement 2

Reach your hand behind your head.
Hold for 10 seconds.
Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.

Illustration of woman with both arms bent and arms up behind her neck

What should I expect after my cast comes off?

When your cast comes off, your wrist will feel stiff and sore and it may swell up. Your joints have not been moving for some time – it is normal for it to feel sore when starting to move them again.
Your skin may be dry and/or flaky. After washing, gently dry and then apply a moisturising cream. Your skin will gradually return to normal.

Wrist stretch 1

Push your palms together for 5 seconds then relax.
Repeat 10 times.
Do once a day.

Woman sitting at table, forearms on table, palms pressed together

Wrist stretch 2

Let your hand drop down over the edge of a table.
Push down with your other hand.
Hold for 5 seconds then relax.
Repeat 10 times.
Do once a day.

Illustration of forearm on table, hand relaxed down beyond table edge. The other hand is pushing the affected hand down further

Wrist rotation

Alternately turn your palm up and down keeping the elbow still.
Repeat 10 to 20 times.
Do once a day.

Wrist deviation

Place your hand flat on a table. Move your wrist from side to side.
Repeat 10 to 20 times.
Do once a day.

Illustration of hand, palm downwards, moved to one side

Wrist / finger movement

Let your hand drop down over the edge of a table.
Lift the wrist and clench your fist.
Relax and let your hand drop.
Repeat 10 to 20 times.
Do once a day.

Illustration of forearm on table, hand hanging off the edge

Finger movement 1

With hand and fingers straight, hook the tips of your fingers, then straighten them again.
Repeat 10 to 20 times.
Do once a day.

Illustration of hand with finger tips bent

Finger movement 2

With hand and fingers straight, bend all the fingers, then straighten them again.
Repeat 10 to 20 times.
Do once a day.

Thumb movement

Try to touch each fingertip with your thumb.
Repeat 10 to 20 times.
Do once a day.

Illustration of hand, forefinger touching thumb

Frequently asked questions

Will I regain full movement and use of my arm and wrist?

Some people will have a slight loss of movement compared to before the injury. Even so, they usually regain full use of the hand and arm.

When can I return to activity?

When the cast is removed your bones are strong enough to allow a gradual increase in activity. Using the hand normally wherever possible will speed your recovery.

How to contact us

For further information or advice, contact us in the Plaster Room – see details below.

If you have any urgent concerns outside of office hours, go to your nearest Emergency (A&E) department.

Contacts

Plaster Room	020 8934 2166 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm)
For any urgent queries at other times	NHS 111

Translate

Please speak to a member of staff before or during your visit to the hospital if you require translation.

Accessibility

Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 8934 3850 if you need this information in a different format.
For information accessibility please visit Kingston Hospital AccessAble www.accessable.co.uk/kingston-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust

Support services

Visit the hospital website, ask a member of staff, or ring us for details.

www.kingstonhospital.nhs.uk

Switchboard 020 8546 7711

‘Find Us’ page for maps, transport, registering a blue badge, disabled access
Information, advice and support for patients and relatives (PALS) 020 8934 3993
Pastoral and Spiritual Support 020 8546 7711
Learning Disability Liaison Team 020 8934 6895

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Translate

Please speak to a member of staff before or during your visit to the hospital if you require translation support to access Patient Information. Please ring the phone number on your appointment letter, if you have one.

Request More Information

Accessibility

Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 893 3850 if you need this information in a different format.
For detailed information on accessibility at Kingston Hospital visit Kingston Hospital AccessAble (https://www.accessable.co.uk/kingston-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust).

Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS)

PALS provides information, advice and support to patients and relatives.

Email: khft.pals@nhs.net

Phone: 020 8934 3993 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

Pastoral and Spiritual Support Service

We offer a multi-cultural approach serving people of all faiths and life philosophies.

Phone the hospital switchboard: 020 8546 7711 and ask for the Duty Chaplain, we are available 24 hours per day 7 days a week.

Learning Disability Liaison Service

We support patients and/or their carers to prepare for a visit, including help to organise reasonable adjustments.

Email: khft.learningdisabilityteam@nhs.net

Phone: 020 8934 6895 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)