A distal radius fracture is a break of the forearm bone just above the wrist, usually caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. It is one of the most common fractures in adults. After the cast or surgery, the wrist is typically stiff, weak and swollen for a while, and most people regain good function over three to six months with regular movement and gradual strengthening.
Also known as Colles fracture, wrist fracture, broken wrist
Anatomy: where the problem is
Palm view of the wrist and hand. Highlighted in the diagram: lower end of the radius.
Symptoms
- Stiffness in the wrist and forearm after the cast comes off
- Swelling of the hand and fingers
- Weak grip and difficulty lifting or twisting
- Aching with use that eases gradually over weeks
- Stiff fingers or shoulder if the arm has not been moved much
Causes and risk factors
- A fall onto an outstretched hand
- Osteoporosis, which makes the bone break more easily
- Sports and cycling falls in younger people
- Road traffic collisions and falls from height
What the evidence says helps
- Recovery follows a fairly predictable course. In a study that followed people for a year, most of the severe symptoms settled within two months, and the majority had little pain or disability by six months.2
- A Cochrane review found too little good evidence to say which rehabilitation approach is best. Advice and a home exercise programme are a reasonable starting point for most people.1
- UK fracture guidance says that after a fracture, people should be given clear information about expected recovery and how to restore movement.3
- Because a wrist fracture after a minor fall can be a sign of osteoporosis, UK guidance recommends that adults who have a fragility fracture are assessed for their risk of further fractures.4
Things you can try at home
- Follow the advice of your fracture clinic about when to start moving and loading the wrist
- Keep your fingers, elbow and shoulder moving from the start, including while in a cast
- Raise the hand above heart level and make a full fist regularly to reduce swelling
- Once the cast is off, move the wrist little and often through the day
- Build grip and lifting gradually: light household tasks first, heavier loads later
- Ask your GP about a bone health check if you are over 50 and the break followed a simple fall
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- A cast that feels too tight, with increasing pain, swelling, numbness or blue or white fingers: go to A&E
- Severe, burning pain with colour or temperature change and sensitivity to touch: see your GP or fracture clinic promptly
- New numbness or tingling in the thumb and first fingers: tell your fracture clinic or GP
- A hot, red wound with discharge or a fever after surgery: get same-day medical help
- A fall or new injury to the healing wrist: go to a minor injuries unit
How Apollo can help
Once your fracture clinic has said the bone is ready, we help you regain movement, grip and confidence in the wrist. We measure where you are, give you a clear exercise plan and progress it as the wrist allows, using hands-on treatment for stiffness where it helps. We also look at your shoulder, balance and general strength, because preventing the next fall matters as much as recovering from this one. If recovery is not following the expected course, we contact your GP or fracture clinic.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to recover from a broken wrist?
The bone usually heals in about six weeks, but stiffness and weakness last longer. Most people have little pain or difficulty by six months. Full grip strength and comfort with heavy tasks can take up to a year.
Is it normal for my wrist to be stiff after the cast comes off?
Yes. Stiffness, swelling and weakness are expected after several weeks in a cast. Moving the wrist little and often, and using the hand for light tasks, helps them settle. Severe or worsening pain with colour change or sensitivity needs medical advice.
Should I have my bones checked after a wrist fracture?
If you are over 50 and broke your wrist in a simple fall from standing height, it is worth asking your GP. UK guidance recommends an assessment of fracture risk after this kind of break, as it can be an early sign of osteoporosis.
References
- Handoll HH, Elliott J (2015). Rehabilitation for distal radial fractures in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015. View source
- MacDermid JC, Roth JH, Richards RS (2003). Pain and disability reported in the year following a distal radius fracture: A cohort study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 4. View source
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2016). Fractures (non-complex): assessment and management. NICE guideline NG38. View source
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2012, updated 2017). Osteoporosis: assessing the risk of fragility fracture. Clinical guideline CG146. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
