Accidents happen, and a fall is sometimes all it takes to find yourself (or your child) with a broken hand or wrist. While it may sound daunting, the right care can make all the difference in ensuring a full recovery and restoring your quality of life.

At South Carolina Sports Medicine, our team of experts has years of experience treating fractures in both children and adults. From splinting and casting to advanced surgical techniques, we’re here to help you heal properly and get back to doing what you love.

If you or someone you care about has suffered a hand or wrist fracture, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from common causes and symptoms to treatment options and recovery tips.

What Causes Hand and Wrist Fractures?

Hand and wrist fractures are among the most common injuries we see, and they often result from everyday activities. Common causes include:

• Falls (especially when trying to catch yourself with an outstretched hand)
• Sports injuries, such as during cycling, basketball, or football
• Car accidents, where significant force impacts your hand or wrist
• Direct trauma, like hitting your hand against a hard surface

Because our hands and wrists contain dozens of small bones that allow for dexterity and movement, these areas are particularly vulnerable during an impact.

Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Hand or Wrist

Not every hand or wrist injury results in a fracture, so how can you tell when it’s broken? Here are the most common signs and symptoms of a fracture:

• Severe pain that worsens when you move your hand or wrist
• Swelling and bruising around the injured area
• Difficulty moving your fingers or wrist
• Visible deformity, such as a bone appearing out of place
• Tenderness to the touch
• Numbness or tingling, which could indicate nerve involvement

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to see a doctor promptly for an evaluation. Delaying treatment can lead to improper healing and long-term complications, such as reduced mobility or chronic pain.

How Are Hand and Wrist Fractures Diagnosed?

When you visit South Carolina Sports Medicine, our experts specialize in accurately diagnosing fractures through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Initial Evaluation: We’ll ask about how the injury occurred and assess your hand or wrist for visible signs, such as swelling or deformities.
2. X-rays: X-rays are the most common imaging test used to detect fractures. They provide a detailed view of the bones, helping us pinpoint the exact location and severity of the break.
3. Additional Imaging (if needed): For more complex fractures or injuries involving soft tissues, we may recommend advanced imaging like CT scans or MRIs to better understand the injury.

With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we can develop a personalized treatment plan that gives you the best chance of recovery.

Treatment Options for Hand and Wrist Fractures

The type of treatment you’ll need depends on the severity and location of the fracture. At South Carolina Sports Medicine, we offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions to ensure proper healing.

Non-Surgical Treatments

For many fractures, especially simple breaks, non-surgical methods are often sufficient. These include:

• Splinting or Casting: Immobilizing the injured area is crucial for allowing the bone to heal. A splint or cast is typically worn for 4–6 weeks, depending on the fracture.
• Reduction (Realigning the Bone): If the bone is out of place but stable, our specialists may perform a closed reduction to manually realign the bone before placing it in a cast or splint.

Surgical Treatments

Some fractures require surgical intervention, especially if the break is severe, unstable, or involves multiple fragments. Here are the most common surgical techniques we use:

• Internal Fixation: This involves using medical hardware such as plates, screws, or wires to hold the bone in place as it heals.
• External Fixation: For more complex fractures, an external fixation device can stabilize the bones using pins and an external frame.
• Bone Grafting: If the fracture involves bone loss, grafting may be used to promote bone growth and stability.

Our providers are specially trained in these techniques and perform surgeries with precision to minimize recovery time and improve outcomes.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovering from a hand or wrist fracture requires patience and a commitment to following your treatment plan. Here’s what you can expect during each stage of recovery:

1. Immobilization: Whether you’re in a splint, cast, or recovering from surgery, keeping the area immobilized is essential for healing.
2. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or medications prescribed by your doctor can help alleviate discomfort.
3. Physical Therapy: Once the bone has healed, physical therapy plays a vital role in restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
4. Gradual Return to Activity: Avoid rushing back into activities that put stress on your hand or wrist. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for a safe return to your daily routine.

Why Choose South Carolina Sports Medicine?

When it comes to fracture care, experience and expertise matter. Here’s why patients trust South Carolina Sports Medicine for hand and wrist injuries:

• Comprehensive Care for All Ages: From children with playground injuries to adults with sports-related fractures, we provide tailored care for every patient.
• Expert Team: Our providers specialize in treating complex injuries and use the latest techniques to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Schedule an appointment with South Carolina Sports Medicine today!