Why does distal radius fracture cause wrist pain?

A break near the end of the radius can inflame the bone covering, wrist capsule, ligaments and soft tissues. Swelling raises pressure around the joint, while movement makes the broken area and irritated tissues shift. Pain may therefore worsen when gripping, turning the forearm or trying to move the wrist. Bruising and tenderness can extend into the hand. Numbness or tingling may occur if swelling presses on a nerve, so those symptoms deserve prompt assessment.

Keep the wrist supported in the splint or cast provided, and avoid lifting, gripping or trying to straighten the wrist yourself. Elevate the hand when resting and move the fingers gently if your clinician has allowed this. Use only pain medicine that is suitable for you and follow the label or prescription directions. Follow-up imaging and examination help the care team check alignment and healing.

Arrange urgent medical assessment after a significant wrist injury, especially when the wrist looks bent, swelling is rapid or pain is severe. Seek immediate help if fingers become pale, blue, cold or increasingly numb, or if a cast feels dangerously tight. Worsening pain, inability to move the fingers or new weakness also needs prompt review.

Ask whether the fracture is stable, how long support is expected, which finger and wrist movements are permitted, and what warning signs should trigger an earlier review.