How common is hand swelling in distal radius fracture?

A distal radius fracture affects the end of the forearm bone near the wrist. The injury can irritate nearby tissues, and a splint or cast may make the fingers feel tight as swelling develops. Bruising, wrist pain, reduced movement, and stiffness in the fingers may occur as part of the injury and recovery.

Hand swelling can also be caused by a separate injury, infection, circulation problem, or a cast that is too tight. Your clinician may check finger color, warmth, sensation, movement, and circulation, as well as the fit of any immobilisation.

Follow the fracture team’s instructions about the splint or cast. Unless you were told otherwise, keep the hand elevated when resting and gently move the free fingers to reduce stiffness. Keep the cast dry, do not insert objects inside it, and do not alter it yourself. Remove rings early if swelling is developing, provided they can be removed safely.

Contact the treating team if swelling is increasing, the cast feels tighter, or pain is not controlled by the agreed plan. Do not use the injured wrist for lifting until you have been told it is safe.

Seek urgent assessment if fingers become blue, pale, cold, increasingly numb, or difficult to move; if pain and tightness rapidly worsen; or if a cast becomes wet, cracked, or damaged. Fever, spreading redness, or drainage also needs prompt medical review.

Is the swelling expected for this stage of healing? How often should I elevate the hand and move my fingers? Is my cast or splint fitting safely? Which pain or circulation changes need urgent help? When can wrist and grip exercises begin?