What does wrist pain feel like with distal radius fracture?

Pain is often focused near the thumb side of the wrist, though the whole wrist can feel sore. It may be sharp with movement and deep or throbbing at rest. Swelling, bruising, reduced grip, and tenderness over the end of the forearm may occur. The wrist can look different from usual when the bone has shifted, but appearance alone cannot confirm the injury.

After a fall or impact, support the wrist in the position that feels comfortable and avoid using it to lift or push. Keep the hand raised when possible and use a wrapped cold pack briefly to limit discomfort. Remove rings if swelling is developing. A medical assessment and imaging may be needed; do not try to straighten the wrist yourself.

Get prompt medical care for new wrist pain after an injury, particularly when swelling, bruising, or movement difficulty is present. Emergency attention is needed if fingers are numb, blue, cold, very weak, or severely painful, or if an open wound exposes bone.

Is imaging needed to check the wrist bone and its alignment? Should I use a splint, and how should I protect my fingers while wearing it? When can gentle movement and rehabilitation begin?