Physical Therapy Nest

Diagnosis of Distal Radius Fractures

Diagnosis usually involves:

• Medical history review (mechanism of injury, fall, or trauma).

• Physical exam checking for swelling, tenderness, or deformity around the wrist.

• Imaging:

  • X-rays to confirm fracture type, location, and displacement.

  • CT or MRI if surgical planning or soft tissue assessment is needed.

Treatment for Distal Radius Fractures

Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and whether surgery is required. Physical therapy is critical after immobilization or surgery to restore strength and function. Therapy may include:

• Early care: gentle motion once cleared to prevent stiffness

• Manual therapy to mobilize joints and reduce scar tissue

• Range of motion exercises for wrist, fingers, and forearm

• Strengthening exercises for grip, wrist, and forearm muscles

• Edema management (compression, elevation, massage) to control swelling

• Functional retraining for tasks like gripping, typing, or lifting

• Education on pacing recovery and preventing reinjury

Symptoms of Distal Radius Fractures

Signs of a distal radius fracture include:

• Sudden wrist pain after a fall or trauma

• Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the wrist

• Visible deformity in severe cases (“dinner fork” shape with Colles’)

• Difficulty moving the wrist or gripping objects

• Numbness or tingling in fingers if nerves are affected

• Weakness and stiffness even after the bone heals if rehab is delayed

Prevention of Distal Radius Fractures

To lower the risk of wrist fractures and complications:

• Improve bone health with calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise

• Practice fall-prevention strategies (balance training, safe environments)

• Wear wrist guards during high-risk sports (skating, snowboarding)

• Address osteoporosis risk factors early

• Continue home exercises after therapy to maintain mobility and strength