Physical examination to assess pain, swelling, and range of motion
X-rays to confirm the location, type, and severity of the fracture
How long does a radius fracture take to heal?
Everything You Need to Know About a Radius Fracture
What is a Radius Fracture?
A radius fracture is a break in the radius bone, one of the two long bones in your forearm. The radius runs from your elbow to your wrist, and fractures can occur near the wrist (distal radius), in the shaft (mid-radius), or near the elbow (proximal radius). This injury can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty using the arm, especially when lifting, rotating, or bearing weight.
An analogy…
Think of the radius like one side of a ladder. If it cracks or snaps, the ladder becomes unstable, just like your arm can’t function properly if one of the main bones is broken.
What are other names that a radius fracture can be called?
Colles’ Fracture, Broken Wrist, Wrist Fracture, Fractured Radius, Distal Radius Fracture, Broken Radius
What causes a radius fracture?
Radius fractures usually happen when a strong force travels through the arm, most commonly from a fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH). The bone can break cleanly, crack, or shatter into multiple pieces, and depending on how the break happens, it might also involve the nearby wrist joint or elbow, affecting alignment and movement.
What are the signs and symptoms of a radius fracture?
- Pain and tenderness in the forearm, wrist, or elbow
- Swelling and bruising around the injured area
- Difficulty rotating the forearm
- Deformity or obvious angling in more serious fractures
- Weak grip or trouble lifting objects
- Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected
What tests are used to diagnose a radius fracture?
Recovery from a radius fracture depends on the type and location of the break, as well as whether surgery is required. Simple, non-displaced fractures often heal in about 6 to 8 weeks with the use of a cast or splint. More complex or displaced fractures that need surgical intervention may take 8 to 12 weeks or even longer to heal. Regaining full strength, mobility, and function, particularly for sports or manual work, can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the individual’s response to rehabilitation.
How does a radius fracture happen?
- Falling on an outstretched hand (FOOSH)
- Direct impact or trauma to the forearm or wrist
- Osteoporosis or bone weakness, especially in older adults
- Repetitive stress in certain sports or occupations
- Poor protective reflexes or balance when falling
What treatment can help a radius fracture?
- Casting or splinting for 4 to 8 weeks to allow healing
- Pain and swelling management with ice and anti-inflammatories
- Activity modification and protection of the injured limb
- Gentle movement and strengthening exercises once cleared by a practitioner
What exercises or stretches can I do for a radius fracture?
- Wrist and elbow range of motion exercises
- Forearm rotation drills
- Grip strengthening with putty or hand grippers
- Shoulder and postural exercises to avoid compensatory strain
- Progressive resistance training to rebuild strength
- Functional training for sport or work-specific activities
What products can help with a radius fracture?
Wrist Curls with weight
Sit upright in your chair.
Hold a weight in one hand.
Rest your forearm on the arm of your chair with your palm up and provide support with your other hand.
When ready, lower the weight by extending at your wrist.
Next, lift the weight leading with the palm of your hand whilst keeping your forearm down.
Return to the start position and repeat.
Wall press-up
Stand facing a wall, around one large stride away.
Place your hands on the wall around the same height as your shoulders but slightly wider.
Lean against the wall, keeping a straight line from your head to your feet.
Bend your elbows, bringing your chest and hips in towards the wall and pushing your elbows outwards.
Make sure your body stays straight.
Push through your hands to straighten your arms back out again.
Continue this movement.
Note: the further away your feet are from the wall, the harder the exercise will be.
