How to tell when wrist is broken?
Ouch! Did you just hurt your wrist? If so, you may be wondering whether it’s broken or just sprained. Let’s face it – there are few things more annoying than not being able to use one of your hands. Fear not! We’ve got you covered in this hilarious guide that will help you figure out whether you’re a tough cookie who can just shake off the pain, or if it’s time for a trip to the emergency room.
What Causes Wrist Fractures?
First things first – let’s talk about what causes wrist fractures. Brace yourself… (get it? Like bracelet?) for some serious medical terminology as we explore how these injuries happen.
– Falls
– Car accidents
– Sports-related trauma
– Repetitive stress injuries
Don’t worry, we’ll explain all of those terms soon!
Symptoms of a Broken Wrist
Now comes the moment of truth – how do you know if your wrist is actually broken? Here are a few telltale signs that indicate something might be wrong (besides feeling like it was hit by a ton of bricks):
– Intense pain in and around the area where the fracture occurred
– Swelling
– Bruising
– Stiffness and difficulty moving fingers
Keep in mind that while some symptoms might not show up immediately after an injury (a condition called delayed onset pain), others may appear right away.
The P-A-R-T-S Method for Diagnosing Injuries
If only there were an easy way to remember what steps to take when trying to determine whether someone has suffered an injury…oh wait! There is! It’s called “P-A-R-T-S”, which stands for:
– Pain: Site and intensity
– Alignment: Is everything where it should be?
– Range of motion: Can you move the joint normally?
– Tenderness: Does touching it make you say “ow!”?
– Swelling and discoloration
Let’s dive a little deeper into each step.
Pain: Site and Intensity
This one’s simple enough. If an area is painful to touch or certain movements are causing sharp pain, something might be wrong there. In the case of wrist fractures, most people report intense pain in the area where the break occurred.
Alignment
Alignment refers to how various parts of your body line up with each other (think about lining up kids for a class photo). Suppose your wrist looks banged out of place after injury; then it may be dislocated or broken. Either way, this step provides valuable insight into what’s going on (or not) internally.
Range of Motion
Range of motion concerns whether anything prevents normal movement within joints (basically see if you can perform weird hand movements). For wrists specifically, limited mobility or stiffness could indicate that something isn’t quite right … which makes sense considering you’re trying to pinpoint a fracture!
Tenderness
Jumping onto tenderness! Now let’s poke around on those bruises! While nobody enjoys being poked at when already hurting You need an accurate diagnosis more than ever now so endure just five more seconds – if pressing down causes significant discomfort almost definitely injured yourself.
Swelling and Discoloration
We’re talking puffiness and bruising here (think marshmallows above fire level inserted between slices of bread only instead we have swelling inside our skin due to clotting fluids that signal localized inflammation within tissues) When these two symptoms arise after any acute trauma usually means trouble ahead however keep in mind they may take several hours post-injury before visible.
Different Types Of Wrist Fractures And How To Recognize Them
Unfortunately not all broken bones are created equal, and there are a variety of wrist fractures you might be dealing with. Here’s an overview of some common ones to keep in mind.
Colle’s Fracture
Colles’ fracture is the most common type of wrist break, accounting for 25% of all broken bones. It usually occurs when someone falls onto their outstretched arm while twisting it too – talk about insult added to injury! The resulting bending force on the bones makes them snap apart at the end closest to your hand.
– Deformation (upward bend)
– Swelling
– Impaired movement
If you see these symptoms after a fall when using open palms as support call doctor immediately!
Scaphoid Fracture
The scaphoid bone is one small part that can ultimately split into two or more parts following applied pressure (living proof that “what seems small still mighty”). These tend to happen mainly during falls.
– Pain and swelling over the “snuffbox”
– Weak grip strength
An apparent gnawing pain between base thumb and wrist any time exertion put forth; be warned it could mean scaphoid fracture so either get medical attention ASAP before making anything worse.
Smith’s Fracture
Surprisingly not named after Mr.Smith from ‘Matrix’ but rather Scottish surgeon Robert William Smith, fracturing affects forearm used from palm-directed blows/falls leading towards inner handlebones instead exterior side (kinda like how trying doing high kicks only slip). It involves upper outer bony projections typically mistaken as Colles’ break;
– Tenderness along forearm
– Swelling
Watch out if lifting weights becomes painful sensation, turning doorknobs rough going due discomforts around injured arm possibly indication need x-ray scan STAT!
How To Treat A Broken Wrist At Home
Okay okay… we know what you really want to know – can you take care of a broken wrist at home? While some people might be able to, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get professional medical advice. In any case don’t forget sample alongside reference (pre-approved by current medics) from reputed sites before relying solely on remedies below:
– Take over-the-counter pain medication
– Apply ice for no longer than 20-minute intervals
– Elevate your arm above your heart
You may even need surgery depending upon injury so best practice sharing concerns with professionals handling such delicate matters.
When To Go To The Doctor
If anything gets worse or continues after trying basic household fixes…don’t wrack head over what else is left: call doctor! In general, here are some signs that indicate it’s time for medical attention (or in other words “Wake up,sleepyheads”):
– Severe pain which worsens rather improving
– Swelling that doesn’t lessen after applying ice (except Sundays most times)
– Arms lukewarm or cooler than rest body areas indicate compartment syndrome
Don’t wait too long only then seek experts when things spiral out control!
And there you have it folks, everything you ever wanted to know (and probably didn’t want to know) about how to tell if your wrist is broken. Remember – this article isn’t meant as a substitute for professional medical help so consult doctors at earliest convenience possible!
Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!
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