Can you move a broken wrist?

It’s the question we’ve all asked ourselves at one point or another… Ok, maybe not all of us. But for those of you who have found yourselves in this predicament, fear not! Moving a broken wrist is possible – although I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re just looking to spice up your daily routine.

What Exactly Is A Broken Wrist?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of moving a broken wrist, let’s first understand what exactly constitutes as a broken wrist. Contrary to popular belief (and by “popular” I mean my own), simply falling off your Hoverboard whilst trying to act like Tony Hawk isn’t going to cut it.

No no my friend, according to medical professionals (who also happen to be some of my closest friends), a broken wrist usually occurs from direct trauma such as punching through an overly-tough steak or jumping out from behind a corner yelling “SURPRISE!!” and getting sucker-punched right back (Yes that’s happened…to me).

A broken wrist generally involves fracturing one or both bones in your forearm closest to the bones in your hand (Radius and Ulna).

So What If My Wrist Is Broken?

If someone ever tells you they have never experienced the slightest bit of panic after breaking something on their body then they are either lying or Wolverine.

It can feel overwhelming initially but there are steps you need take once discovering that something may be just slightly askew with one of our most important digits:

1. Calmly assess
2. Get thee immediately to hospital
3. Wait patiently

Once you’ve been appropriately diagnosed with said fracture (X-rays) by trained personnel—your mind will suddenly be filled with pressing questions such as: “When can I remove my cast?” “Can I still play ping-pong with my eyes closed?” and “Can I move this damn thing?”

To Move or Not to Move…

That is the question. And like most perplexing questions we ask, it depends.

When Moving Might Be Permitted

In some rare cases, you may be allowed to move your broken wrist – but only under very particular circumstances:

1. If there is no chance of further injury
2. The bones in your forearm are not angulated (crooked)
3. Your orthopedic surgeon has instructed that specific movements/stretches will aid in recovery

Don’t Do It!

Now bear witness as I strip away any lingering hope from those who mistakenly thought they’d easily be able to razzle-dazzle their friends with one-handed push-ups after a mere week since breaking your wrist.

If you’re hoping for good news folks…I’m sorry the prognosis does NOT look good!

Any attempt to move a broken wrist before receiving medical clearance could have disastrous consequences leading variously from fuelling inflammation and swelling within the joint resulting in decreased range of motion ultimately prolonging healing time all the way up to constant pain beyond what already comes with coping hand-in-sling living.

It’s important first seeking professional diagnosis before staring into the abyss at possibilities through ignorantly attempting movement on one’s lonesome irrespective of how often binge-watching “House M.D” episodes can somewhat impart credibility as an self-proclaimed armchair physician 😉

What Happens if You Try Moving With A Broken Wrist?

Here’s where things begin to slightly get interesting kids!

Trying moving you prone-to-dislocation freshly fractured limb without approval—let alone clear guidance on permitted exercises—is risking not only worsening any pre-existing trauma possible nerve damage puncturing blood vessels but long term extent damage such as stiffness limiting dexterity down the line—not forgetting bout general discomfort with every slight movement.

Moving a broken wrist in and of itself is not considered the issue here, but how it moved; too little caution could wind up exasperating an already serious injury.

What Are The Risks?

All this hubbub about refraining from utilizing that sling-comfy swing-arm!? If you’re questioning my summary at present then take a moment to inspect Dr. Google because firstly sitting inside watching Netflix during covid without much movement isn’t doing any favours for your maintaining muscle strength in the best of times…But with either casting or bracing requiring approximate 6 weeks reduction immobilisation, subsequently attempting unapproved movements against medical advice could simply undo progress towards recovery made thus far by increasing swelling within the joint.

It’s important that patients understand that successful recuperation requires full and complete healing before getting back into things both simple and complex such as texting, driving or politely chucking your modem outta the window when it just refuse to work—because trust me folks typing will feel more like cuddling snapping turtles if there isn’t appropriate rest time allocated after initial diagnosis.

As tempting as hitting those moves on TikTok might be- giving priority for thorough knuckledown rehab will bear fruits later down the line if done efficiently under supervision beforehand performed independently risking procrastinating joining select groups unluckily seeking lengthy rehabilitation periods restoring previous status quo.

Conclusion

So there we have it guys! While moving a broken wrist may seem possible in very specific situations, please leave it professionals who know precisely how much strain can safely construe effective exercise rather than unfortunately harming further.

In fact let us quote one trustworthy source – “Any manipulation should only ever carried out by trained healthcare providers” (I’m pretty sure they were all plastered pre-writing)

Let’s stick with tradition get our breaks looked at ASAP leaving us well prepared becoming serious considerate castboard half-pint flyweights at the neighbourhood arm wrestle.