Does a distal radius fracture cause hand swelling?

A distal radius fracture affects the end of the forearm bone near the wrist. After the injury, inflammation and reduced movement can make the wrist, palm, and fingers puffy or stiff. Bruising may travel into the hand as healing progresses. A cast or splint can also feel tighter as swelling changes, so finger movement and circulation need monitoring. Hand swelling has other possible causes, but swelling after a known wrist fracture should be followed according to the treating team's advice.

Follow the fracture team's instructions about the cast or splint and keep it dry and intact. Elevate the hand when resting, and gently move the fingers that are not immobilised if this has been allowed. Avoid removing or tightening the support yourself. Do not lift, push, or lean through the injured wrist until you have been told that the bone and soft tissues can take that load.

Contact the treating service promptly if swelling rapidly increases, the cast becomes tight, pain is worsening, or finger movement is becoming harder. Seek urgent help for fingers that are blue, pale, cold, numb, or unusually difficult to move. Fever, drainage, severe pressure under the cast, or a new deformity also needs immediate assessment.

Ask how high to keep the hand, which fingers to exercise, and what level of swelling is expected during healing. Ask how to check circulation and when the cast, splint, or activity plan will be reviewed.