Wrist fracture / Colles fracture

It is a break of your radius (one of the forearm bones) near the wrist joint. It often happens when a person falls onto an outstretched hand.

Once you have been diagnosed with this wrist fracture it is normally supported in a cast for 5-6 weeks. This is to allow the fracture to heal. It is important even when the wrist is in the cast to try and keep the movement in your neck, shoulder, elbow and fingers. This can be done when the cast is on and after the cast is removed. See the exercises below.

Sit or stand.
Roll your shoulders in both directions.
Repeat 10 times.

Sit or stand.
Lift your arm up letting the thumb lead the way.
Repeat 10 times.

Stand.
Bend your elbow and then straighten your elbow.
Repeat 10 times.

Support your elbow on a table with your wrist straight and your fingers pointing towards the ceiling.
Make a fist (thumb over fingers as far as you are able with the cast on). Straighten your fingers and bring them apart.
Repeat 15 times.

When the plaster cast has been taken off your wrist will be stiff and may be painful. You may also notice some deformity at the wrist but this should not affect movement.

Your consultant may refer you to physiotherapy to help get your wrist moving but this is not always needed.

If your pain is not well controlled after the plaster comes off, this can affect your ability to exercise your wrist. It is important to discuss this with your GP.

When you first start to move your wrist and hand again you will normally feel pain and stiffness. The pain may increase to begin with.

Try to do the exercises little and often throughout the day - start slowly and gently increase gradually
It is normal for your wrist to take several months to recover and to get back normal movement and use after a fracture Contact your doctor or physiotherapist (if you have been referred) if the pain and swelling continue to get worse over time

Support your forearm on a table with your hand over the edge and palm facing down.
Let your hand drop down. Gently help the movement with your other hand.
Hold for 5-10 seconds.
Repeat 10 times.

Sit or stand. Forearms horizontally in front of you and palms together.
Push palms together for 5 seconds. Relax.
Repeat 10 times.

Forearm on a table, palm turned down.
Turn your palm up and then down keeping your elbow still.
Repeat 10 times.

Hold fingers and wrist straight.
Bend wrist first towards your little finger and then towards your thumb.
Repeat 10 times.