Recovering from a broken wrist

If you've broken your wrist, it should heal as normal – usually within 6 to 12 weeks. It is unlikely to cause any long-term complications.

What does treatment involve?

In most cases, you'll have a plaster cast fitted in hospital. This will stabilise the break so that it can heal properly. You should be able to go home once your plaster cast has been fitted.

Occasionally, you might need an operation to realign the bones. The surgeon will use wires to hold the bones in the correct position. A partial cast is applied during the operation. After a few days, once any swelling has gone down, you'll have a full cast fitted.

How long does it take to heal?

The plaster cast stays on until the bone has healed. This usually takes about six weeks.

Once the cast is removed, you can start doing exercises to help strengthen your muscles and return to normal activities.

Possible long-term complications

Occasionally, a broken wrist can cause longer-term problems, such as:

• osteoarthritis of the wrist
• complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

You can reduce the chance of developing CRPS by doing any exercises that are recommended to you before and after the cast is removed.