Does distal radius fracture cause wrist pain?

A distal radius fracture is a break near the wrist end of the larger forearm bone. Pain can come from the injured bone, swelling, bruising, and strain on the surrounding ligaments and soft tissues. It may worsen when you grip, rotate the forearm, or try to bear weight through the hand. Reduced movement and tenderness around the wrist are also common. Wrist pain is a common presentation of Distal Radius Fracture, but wrist pain alone cannot identify its cause.

A clinician may examine circulation, sensation, finger movement, wrist alignment, and tenderness. Imaging is often used to confirm the fracture and show whether the bone has shifted.

Keep the wrist still in a comfortable position and support the arm. Elevating the hand can help limit swelling. Remove rings or tight jewellery before swelling increases. Do not try to straighten the wrist yourself. A healthcare professional may use a splint or cast and decide whether further treatment is needed based on alignment and stability. Follow instructions about hand movement, pain relief, and follow-up. Seek physiotherapy guidance when cleared, since stiffness and reduced grip can persist after immobilisation.

Arrange prompt medical assessment after a fall or direct blow if the wrist is very painful, swollen, visibly misshapen, or difficult to move. Seek emergency care if fingers become numb, pale, blue, unusually cold, or hard to move, or if pain rapidly worsens despite support. An open wound near the suspected break also needs urgent care. These signs can indicate a problem with nerves, blood flow, skin, or bone alignment.

Ask which part of the radius is injured, whether the fracture is aligned, how long the wrist should be supported, and which movements are safe now. You can also ask how swelling and pain will be monitored, when repeat imaging is needed, and when exercises for grip and wrist motion should begin.