Swollen Hand After a Broken Wrist

A distal radius fracture can disturb nearby tissues and make fluid collect in the hand and fingers. A cast or splint can feel more restrictive as swelling changes, while keeping the arm down may increase puffiness. Swelling can limit finger bending, but the fingers should remain warm with normal colour and sensation. New tingling, worsening pain, or inability to move the fingers may mean the support or circulation needs checking. Recovery may involve casting, reduction, fixation surgery, and later hand therapy depending on the fracture.

Keep the hand raised when resting, ideally with the fingers higher than the elbow, and move the fingers regularly if your fracture team permits it. Keep the cast or splint dry and do not insert objects inside it. Do not loosen, remove, or pad it yourself unless instructed. Avoid rings because swelling can make them difficult to remove. Follow the prescribed restrictions and attend planned checks so alignment, skin, circulation, and movement can be reviewed.

Contact the fracture team promptly for swelling that is increasing or not eased by elevation, a cast that feels tight, worsening pain, foul odour, wetness, or skin irritation. Seek emergency care if fingers become blue, pale, cold, numb, unusually weak, or impossible to move, or if pain becomes severe and unrelenting.

Ask which finger exercises are safe, how high to elevate the hand, whether the cast fit is suitable, and when hand therapy should begin. Clarify exactly who to contact if swelling changes overnight.