Overview
A distal radius fracture is a break in the spoke bone (radius) near the wrist joint. It most often happens after a fall onto an outstretched hand and can affect joint alignment, the surrounding ligaments, and soft tissues. Pain, swelling, and reduced motion occur because the fracture disrupts bone structure and irritates nearby nerves and tendons. Depending on the fracture pattern and how well the bone fragments line up, grip strength and wrist movement can remain limited for weeks to months.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include sharp pain at the wrist, noticeable swelling, bruising, and tenderness near the end of the radius. You may also notice deformity (sometimes a visible "bump") and difficulty rotating your forearm or moving the wrist without pain. Symptoms usually worsen with lifting, gripping, or trying to bear weight through the hand. In some cases, swelling can contribute to numbness or tingling in the fingers, especially if pressure develops in the carpal tunnel area.
Causes
Distal radius fractures typically occur from trauma, most commonly a fall onto an outstretched hand. The force can break the bone and sometimes shift or rotate the fracture fragments, including ones that extend into the wrist joint. Less commonly, fractures can occur with minor trauma in people with weakened bones, such as osteoporosis.
Risk Factors
Risk is higher in older adults due to balance changes and lower bone density. Osteoporosis, long-term steroid use, smoking, and certain medical conditions that affect bone strength increase the chance of fracture even with relatively small falls. Participating in activities with higher fall risk, poor vision or footwear, and not using protective gear during higher-risk sports can also raise risk.
Prevention
You can reduce risk by improving balance and strength through regular exercise, including supervised balance training and upper-extremity strengthening. Address bone health by ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and discussing osteoporosis screening and treatment if you are at risk. Reduce fall hazards at home by improving lighting, removing loose rugs, and using assistive devices when needed. Wearing wrist guards during activities with high fall risk can help prevent some injuries.
How the Diagnosis Is Evaluated
Clinicians start with a history of how the injury happened, when symptoms began, and whether numbness or finger weakness is present. A physical exam assesses wrist deformity, swelling, skin condition, range of motion, grip strength, and sensation and pulses in the hand. X-rays are the main test to confirm the fracture and determine the fracture type, alignment, and whether the joint surface is involved. Additional imaging such as CT may be considered if the X-ray suggests complex joint involvement or if the fracture pattern is unclear.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Many distal radius fractures are treated without surgery using immobilization. A clinician may use a splint initially to control pain and swelling, then transition to a cast once swelling decreases. If the fracture is misaligned, a closed reduction (manipulating the bones into better position without an incision) may be performed, followed by immobilization and follow-up imaging. Pain is commonly managed with ice, elevation, and appropriate short-term oral pain medication as advised by a clinician. After immobilization, hand and wrist therapy or guided home exercises are important to restore motion, tendon gliding, and strength gradually. In general, injections are not used to heal an acute fracture, but later pain from post-traumatic wrist arthritis may be treated with targeted nonoperative strategies as determined by your clinician.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical attention if you have severe pain, rapidly increasing swelling, visible deformity, or the wrist or fingers look pale or feel cold. Go promptly if you cannot move your fingers normally, have progressive numbness or tingling, or suspect nerve compression. Fever, worsening redness, or drainage from any wound requires prompt evaluation. Even if symptoms seem mild, you should get evaluated soon if you have significant pain after a fall onto the hand, because early treatment affects alignment and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should be evaluated as soon as possible, especially if pain is significant, swelling is growing, or you have deformity or numbness.
Numbness or tingling should be assessed promptly because swelling or fracture position can affect nerves.
Healing often takes several weeks, but regaining full comfort and strength can take longer, commonly over months with rehabilitation.
Next Steps
If you suspect a distal radius fracture, arrange prompt evaluation so imaging can confirm the diagnosis and ensure the bone alignment is appropriate for healing. Follow immobilization and pain-control instructions carefully, and plan for rehabilitation once your clinician clears you to begin motion. If you develop worsening numbness, finger weakness, or circulation changes, seek urgent care immediately.