Significant pain or swelling Numbness in the wrist, hand, or fingers A deformed appearance of the wrist, looking crooked or bent An open fracture (where the broken bone has pierced through the skin) Pale fingers

After the initial swelling has gone down, a plaster or fiberglass cast is usually placed after a few days or a week. [7] X Research source You may need a second cast after 2-3 weeks, if the swelling goes down further and the first cast becomes too loose. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source

Your doctor will usually conduct regular x-rays through this period to make sure your wrist is healing correctly.

If you don’t need formal physical therapy, your doctor will probably give you exercises to do at home. Make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations to help your wrist return to its full functioning.

You may also need to keep the wrist elevated while you sleep or during the day. Try propping it up on a few pillows.

Put ice in a zip-top plastic bag. Make sure the bag is sealed properly to avoid leaks. Wrap the bag in a towel to make sure condensation doesn’t get into your cast. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables as an ice pack. Look for veggies that are small and even in size, such as corn or peas. (And obviously, don’t eat them after you’ve used the bag as an ice-pack. )[12] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Hold the ice on your wrist for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours. Apply ice for the first 2-3 days, or as long as your doctor recommends. [13] X Research source You may also find it helpful to use a commercial gel-based ice pack. These are reusable, freezable ice packs that won’t melt and leak water onto a cast. You can find them at medical supply stores and most pharmacies.

Ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). These help reduce fever and swelling by inhibiting your body’s production of prostaglandins. Other NSAIDs include naproxen sodium and aspirin, although aspirin has a more prolonged anti-clotting effect than other NSAIDs. Your doctor may not recommend aspirin if you have a bleeding disorder, asthma, anemia, or other medical condition. Aspirin can cause negative interactions with several medical conditions and medications. [16] X Research source When administering pain relievers to a child, be sure to use a children’s formula and follow the dosage for the child’s age and weight. [17] X Research source Aspirin is not recommended for children under age 18. There is a risk of liver damage when taking acetaminophen, so use only as much as recommended by your doctor. [18] X Research source Do not take an OTC painkiller for more than 10 days (5 days in children) unless directed by your doctor. If your pain persists after 10 days, see your doctor.

If you experience pain when moving your elbow or fingers, contact your doctor.

Try raising your cast or blowing on it with a hairdryer on the “low” or “cool” setting instead. Don’t put powders into the cast, either. Anti-itch powders can cause irritation when they’re trapped under the cast. [20] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

Apply moleskin to clean, dry skin. Replace it when it gets dirty or loses its stickiness. If the edges of your cast become rough, you can use a nail file to smooth out the rough edges. Don’t peel, cut, or break off pieces of your cast.

Numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers Cold, pale or blue fingers Increased pain or swelling of the area after the cast has been put on Raw or irritated skin around the edges of the cast Cracks or soft spots in the cast Wet, loose, or tight casts Casts that smell bad or itching that won’t go away

Tape a heavy-duty plastic bag (such as a garbage bag) over your cast when you bathe or shower. Hold your cast outside the shower or bathtub so you reduce the likelihood of getting it wet. Wrap a washcloth or small towel around the top of your cast to keep water from leaking in under the cast. You may be able to purchase water-resistant cast shields from your doctor’s office or a medical supply store.

If the cast is still wet or soft after you’ve tried to dry it, call your doctor. You may need a new cast.

Wiggling your fingers can help restore circulation.

Choose loose, stretchy clothing. Elastic-waisted pants or skirts mean you don’t have to fumble with fasteners. Shirts with short sleeves or sleeveless shirts are a good idea. Use your good arm to put the shirt sleeve over the cast and pull gently. Try to minimize how much you use the arm in the cast. Use a shawl or blanket to stay warm instead of a jacket, which could be harder to get into. A thick poncho or cape can be an easier choice rather than an outdoor coat. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help when you need it.

If you can learn to write with your non-dominant hand, this will help, but this can be difficult and takes a long time. If you’ve broken the wrist of your non-dominant hand, use a heavy object like a book or paperweight to hold paper in place while you’re writing. Use your injured arm as little as possible.

Although it is not illegal to drive with a wrist cast, use sound judgement when deciding whether to drive or not. Other machinery – particularly machinery that requires two hands to operate – should be avoided.

Your skin may also look dry or flaky. Your muscles may look smaller than when you put the cast on, which is normal. [23] X Research source Soak your arm/wrist in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Gently dry the skin with a towel. [24] X Research source Use a moisturizing cream on the wrist and arm to soften the skin. To reduce swelling, take ibuprofen or aspirin as recommended by your doctor.

Take care to prevent further injuries to your wrist. Braces can help prevent future wrist injuries.

You may continue to have aches or stiffness for months or years after the initial break. [27] X Research source Your healing process is also affected by your age and overall health. Children and teens tend to heal faster than adults. Older adults and people with osteoporosis or osteoarthritis may not experience healing as fast or as fully. [28] X Research source