Is Swelling and Pain Normal After a Wrist Fracture Recovery?

Four months after a car accident, the wrist fracture is still swollen, and it hurts when the weather is cold?

Four months after a wrist fracture, the fractured area is still swollen, and there is occasional pain, especially in cold weather or at night.
Sometimes the pain radiates from the wrist to the fingers.
Is this normal? Should I return for a follow-up appointment?

lu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/24

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Once a fracture has healed, it typically should not cause any pain.
If there is still swelling and pain, it may be necessary to get an X-ray to check if the fracture has completely healed.
Generally, a distal radius fracture takes about three to six months to heal.

Reply Date: 2020/12/24

More Info

After a wrist fracture, it is not uncommon to experience swelling and pain during the recovery process, even several months post-injury. The symptoms you describe—persistent swelling, pain that can radiate from the wrist to the fingers, and discomfort that worsens in cold weather or at night—are relatively common among individuals recovering from a fracture.

Understanding the Healing Process
When a bone fractures, the body initiates a complex healing process that involves inflammation, bone formation, and remodeling. Initially, after a fracture, there is swelling due to the accumulation of fluid and inflammatory cells at the injury site. This is a natural response as the body works to repair the damaged tissue.
Typically, the swelling should gradually decrease over time. However, in some cases, especially with wrist fractures, residual swelling can persist for several months. Factors such as the severity of the fracture, the type of treatment received (e.g., casting, surgery), and individual healing rates can all influence recovery.

Pain and Discomfort
Pain can also be a part of the healing process. It is important to differentiate between normal post-fracture pain and pain that may indicate complications. Normal pain should gradually decrease in intensity and frequency as healing progresses. However, if the pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms such as increased swelling, redness, or warmth, it may warrant further investigation.

The fact that you experience pain that radiates to your fingers could be related to several factors:
1. Nerve Irritation: Sometimes, swelling or scar tissue can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain that radiates into the fingers.

2. Joint Stiffness: After immobilization, stiffness in the wrist joint can lead to discomfort, especially during movement.

3. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): In rare cases, individuals may develop CRPS, a condition characterized by prolonged pain and swelling after an injury.

Recommendations
Given your symptoms, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They may recommend:
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and manage pain through targeted exercises.

- Pain Management: Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter pain relief options or prescribe medications if necessary.

- Follow-Up Imaging: If there are concerns about the healing process or if your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may recommend follow-up X-rays or other imaging studies to assess the fracture site.

When to Seek Immediate Attention
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden increase in swelling or pain
- Changes in skin color or temperature around the wrist
- Loss of function or inability to move the wrist or fingers
- Signs of infection, such as fever or discharge from the wound site

Conclusion
In summary, while some swelling and pain can be normal after a wrist fracture, persistent symptoms warrant further evaluation. It is crucial to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns and symptoms to ensure a proper recovery. Early intervention can help prevent complications and promote a more effective healing process.

Similar Q&A

Post-Fracture Surgery: Is Swelling and Discomfort Normal?

Hello Dr. Shi: I would like to ask you a question. I fell and fractured my left wrist on November 18, underwent surgery to have a metal plate inserted, and had my cast removed on December 18. Since the cast was removed, my entire left hand, including all five fingers, has been re...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
You may have a fracture near the wrist, which typically heals in about six to eight weeks after surgery. It is common to experience swelling after the cast is removed, but this will improve with rehabilitation. It is important to intentionally move the joints near the fracture ev...

Post-Surgery Swelling and Discharge After Wrist Fracture: What to Expect

My mother has a wrist fracture and had a bone screw inserted three weeks ago. She has been recovering normally after the surgery, and I help her clean the wound every day. However, recently the area has become increasingly swollen and red, and there is some discharge from the wou...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment to allow the physician to examine for any signs of wound infection.

Persistent Wrist Discomfort and Vascular Swelling After Fracture Recovery

On June 6, 2020, the patient sought medical attention for a distal radius fracture and underwent fixation with titanium alloy. Nearly a year later, the patient still experiences frequent discomfort in the wrist joint and has developed vascular edema. What measures can be taken to...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Some individuals may experience slower recovery, but continuing rehabilitation can lead to improvement. It is advisable to consult a rehabilitation specialist.

Managing Wrist Stiffness and Swelling After Cast Removal

Hello Dr. Yeh, I have a wrist fracture and had a cast for a period of time. The cast has been removed, but my hand is stiff. How should I address this? Additionally, my wrist is also swollen. What should I do about that? Please respond quickly, thank you.

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics
After the removal of the cast, joints often become stiff and swollen. If possible, it's advisable to visit a rehabilitation clinic. However, if you have a busy work schedule and need to rehabilitate on your own, it's important to address joint stiffness promptly. The lo...