What are the first signs of distal radius fracture?

The distal radius is the end of the forearm bone nearest the wrist. A fracture commonly follows a fall onto the hand, a direct impact, or another force, but the injury mechanism can vary. Pain may be immediate and worsen when the wrist or fingers move. Swelling and bruising can spread into the hand, while gripping becomes difficult. Some fractures cause a visible bend or change in wrist shape; others look normal from the outside. Numbness or pins and needles may occur if swelling affects nearby nerves.

A [Wrist Pain](/symptoms/wrist-pain/) page covers the symptom more broadly. [Hand Swelling](/symptoms/hand-swelling/) and [Visible Deformity After Injury](/symptoms/visible-deformity-after-injury/) are useful related signs, but only an examination and appropriate imaging can confirm a [Distal Radius Fracture](/conditions/distal-radius-fracture/).

Treat a suspected fracture as an injury needing prompt assessment. Keep the wrist still in the position found, remove rings before swelling increases, support the arm, and avoid testing movement or trying to straighten a deformity. Do not eat or drink if urgent treatment may be needed unless a clinician advises otherwise. Depending on alignment and stability, care may involve [Closed Reduction](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/closed-reduction/), [Fracture Casting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/fracture-casting/), or [Fracture Fixation Surgery](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/fracture-fixation-surgery/). [Hand Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hand-therapy/) may support recovery later.

Seek emergency care for an open wound over the injury, a cold or pale hand, blue fingers, severe numbness, rapidly increasing swelling, or inability to move the fingers. A visibly deformed wrist or severe pain after trauma also warrants prompt assessment, even if swelling seems limited.

Which imaging confirms the injury and how stable is the fracture? Is the wrist aligned well enough for a cast, or is reduction or fixation needed? When can I begin finger, wrist, and hand rehabilitation?