Broken wrist

What happens when you have a broken wrist?

With a broken wrist, there is a crack or fracture in one or more of the bones around the wrist. Most commonly, this involves the radius, but sometimes the ulna is also broken at the wrist. This usually happens after a fall onto an outstretched hand.
As a result of the fracture, you typically experience:

• pain caused by damage to the bone and surrounding tissues
• swelling due to an inflammatory response
• loss of stability and strength

The body tries to heal the fracture on its own, but this process requires rest, time, and later on, carefully guided loading.

What does a broken wrist feel like?

Many people hesitate between a bruised or broken wrist. This is understandable, as the initial symptoms can look very similar.
With a broken wrist, people often experience:

• sharp or deep pain that does not subside
• pain that worsens with movement or when bearing weight
• a feeling of instability or that the wrist is “not reliable”
• clear loss of strength

In many broken wrist experiences, people describe an immediate sense that something feels “wrong” in the wrist.

What does a broken wrist look like?

Those wondering what a broken wrist looks like often notice visible changes:

• swelling around the wrist
• blue or purple bruising
• sometimes an abnormal position of the wrist

In older adults with a broken wrist, a fracture can even occur after a relatively minor fall, as bone quality is often reduced.

Broken or bruised wrist: how can you tell the difference?

Are you unsure whether you have a broken or bruised wrist? It is important to know that you cannot determine this with certainty on your own.
An online broken wrist test does not provide a definitive answer. If you are wondering how to know if your wrist is broken, take these warning signs seriously:

• severe pain that does not improve
• inability to put weight on the hand
• increasing swelling

In these cases, an X-ray is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

When is a wrist considered broken?

The question of when a wrist is broken often arises after a fall or impact, such as:

• a fall onto the hand
• a sports-related accident
• a collision or stumble

Sometimes the pain initially seems manageable but worsens later. This is a clear reason to take symptoms seriously.

How long do you need a cast for a broken wrist?

A common question is how long a cast is needed for a broken wrist. On average:

• cast duration: usually 4 to 6 weeks
• longer for unstable or complex fractures

The cast for a broken wrist keeps the bones in the correct position so they can heal properly. During this phase, the wrist should generally not be loaded.

Recovery after a broken wrist and cast removal

Once the cast is removed, the real recovery begins. Recovery after a broken wrist and cast means that while the bone has healed, strength, mobility, and confidence often have not yet returned.
Many people notice:

• stiffness due to immobilisation
• loss of muscle strength
• uncertainty when moving the wrist

Without proper guidance, broken wrist recovery can take longer than necessary or leave lingering complaints.

Exercises for a broken wrist

Proper broken wrist exercises are essential to restore function. These exercises gradually focus on mobility, muscle activation, and coordination.

• regaining range of motion
• reactivating muscles
• improving coordination

Exercises after a broken wrist should be built up carefully. Start with small movements and progress to strength and load later. Pushing too fast increases the risk of pain or overload.

How long does a broken wrist take to heal?

The answer to how long a broken wrist takes to heal depends on:

• the severity of the fracture
• your age
• your activity level

On average:

• bone healing: 6 to 8 weeks
• full functional recovery: several months

With proper guidance, broken wrist recovery is often smoother and results in fewer long-term complaints.

Tips for a broken wrist

Some important tips for a broken wrist focus on allowing your recovery the time it needs:

• do not force movement
• listen to pain signals
• start exercises at the right time
• build up load gradually

Recovery is not a sprint, but a process.

Treatment at De Fysio Man

At De Fysio Man, we fully guide you through recovery from a broken wrist. We don’t just focus on the fracture itself, but also on how you use your wrist in daily life, work, and sports.
Our goal is for you to:

• regain confidence in your wrist
• move without pain
• perform daily activities normally again

Your next step

Are you unsure whether you are dealing with a broken or bruised wrist? Or are you already working on broken wrist recovery but still experiencing symptoms? Then it is wise not to wait.
With the right guidance, recovery is very achievable. Make an appointment at De Fysio Man and work toward a strong, stable, and pain-free wrist.