How long does closed reduction take to work for a distal radius fracture?

During closed reduction, a clinician guides the broken wrist bones back toward a safer position, often using pain relief or sedation. The procedure itself is brief, but it does not instantly mend the fracture. A cast or splint holds the alignment while new bone forms. Swelling and soreness can remain after the manipulation, and finger movement may improve before the wrist is ready for normal lifting. Follow-up imaging checks whether the bones are staying aligned; an unstable fracture may need a change in treatment.

Keep the cast or splint dry and supported, elevate the hand when swelling is prominent, and move the fingers gently if your clinician allows it. Do not place objects inside the cast or use the injured hand to lift until you receive clearance. Attend the planned review so alignment and skin condition can be checked. Once the fracture is sufficiently secure, a clinician or physiotherapist can guide wrist and forearm exercises to address stiffness.

Contact urgent medical care if fingers become blue, unusually cold, numb, or difficult to move, or if pain and tightness increase despite elevation and prescribed medicine. Seek prompt assessment for a wet, cracked, or foul-smelling cast, worsening swelling, fever, or drainage. A new deformity or a fall onto the wrist also deserves review because the alignment may have changed.

Ask whether the fracture is stable after reduction, when repeat imaging is planned, how long the cast or splint should remain, and which finger, elbow, or shoulder movements are safe now. Clarify when driving, work, lifting, and wrist exercises can restart.