This information is designed to help people after a wrist fracture. The same advice applies whether or not you’ve had an operation.

While your wrist is in a cast

It is your wrist that is broken, not your hand or elbow. Remember to move your fingers, elbow and shoulders often to prevent stiffness and maintain function.

Finger movements​​illustration of wrist in cast, with fingers bent then straight

  • Bend and straighten your fingers while in the cast.

  • Repeat 10 to 20 times.

  • Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.

Elbow bending/straighteningillustration of arm being bent and straightened at elbow

  • Bend and straighten your elbow while in the cast.
  • Repeat 10 to 20 times.
  • Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.

Wrist rotationIllustration of woman with arm bent at elbow and forearm out front, she is rotating her hand - palm up then palm down

  • Turn your palm alternately up and down.
  • Repeat 10 to 20 times.
  • Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.

Shoulder movement 1Illustration of woman sitting, raising her  straight arm above her head and then down

  • Lift your arm up above your head as much as you can.
  • Repeat 10 to 20 times.
  • Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.

Shoulder movement 2Wrist fracture 5.png

  • Reach your hand behind your head.
  • Hold for 10 seconds.
  • Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.

After the cast comes off

  • When your cast comes off, your wrist will feel stiff and sore and it may swell up. Your joints have not been moving for some time. So it is normal for it to feel sore when starting to move them again.
  • Your skin may be dry and/or flaky. After washing, gently dry and then apply a moisturising cream. Your skin will gradually return to normal.

Wrist stretch 1Woman sitting at table, forearms on table, palms pressed together

  • Push your palms together for 5 seconds then relax.
  • Repeat 10 times.
  • Do once a day.

Wrist stretch 2 Illustration of forearm on table, hand relaxed down beyond table edge. The other hand is pushing the affected hand down further

  • Let your hand drop down over the edge of a table.
  • Push down with your other hand. 
  • Hold for 5 seconds then relax.
  • Repeat 10 times.
  • Do once a day.

Wrist rotationilustration of palm upwards

  • Alternately turn your palm up and down keeping the elbow still.
  • Repeat 10 to 20 times.
  • Do once a day.

Wrist deviationIllustration of hand, palm downwards, moved to one side

  • Place your hand flat on a table. Move your wrist from side to side. 
  • Repeat 10 to 20 times.
  • Do once a day.

Wrist / finger movement Illustration of forearm on table, hand hanging off the edge

  • Let your hand drop down over the edge of a table.
  • Lift the wrist and clench your fist.
  • Relax and let your hand drop. 
  • Repeat 10 to 20 times.
  • Do once a day.

Finger movement 1 Illustration of hand with finger tips bent

  • With hand and fingers straight, hook the tips of your fingers, then straighten them again. 
  • Repeat 10 to 20 times.
  • Do once a day.

Finger movement 2 illustration of fingers bent

  • With hand and fingers straight, bend all the fingers, then straighten them again. 
  • Repeat 10 to 20 times.
  • Do once a day.

Thumb movement Illustration of hand, forefinger touching thumb

  • Try to touch each fingertip with your thumb. 
  • Repeat 10 to 20 times.
  • Do once a day.

 

​​​​​​​Frequently asked questions

Will I regain full movement and use of my arm and wrist?

Some people will have a slight loss of movement compared to before the injury. Even so, they usually regain full use of the hand and arm.

When can I return to activity?

When the cast is removed your bones are strong enough to allow a gradual increase in activity. Using the hand normally wherever possible will speed your recovery.

Contact information

Plaster Room

Telephone:

020 8934 2166
(Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm)

For any urgent queries at other times, call NHS 111