Did you know that distal radius fractures are common and are actually the most prevalent type of wrist fracture?
Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to this type of fracture, as it is generally caused by a fall from an elevated position. The distal radius is the larger of the two forearm bones and bears the brunt of force when trauma occurs, particularly in the instance of a fall, where the individual braces themselves. When a distal fracture occurs, the radial bone may impact into the bones in the hand, similar to a crush injury.
While accidents can’t always be prevented, you can take some measures to ensure that you are as strong as possible when they do! This means getting adequate amounts of Calcium and Vitamin D to strengthen your bones and, as you age, being screened for bone density disorders such as osteoporosis.
Wrist injuries, such as distal radius fractures, can have severe long-term impact if not treated properly as soon as they occur. Should you have an accident, immediately stabilize the wrist and do not try to self-heal. There are many instances where you need more than just a splint or a cast to fix the injury.
If you experience this type of injury or any type of wrist pain, contact Dr. Rehman immediately for a full evaluation.
