This is a break to the distal radius and/or ulna (forearm just before the wrist) which occurs in children
Healing
It takes approximately 3-4 weeks for your bone to heal and it can be achy for another few weeks following this.
Pain and Swelling
Your child can take their normal pain killers if they are in pain. Elevate the arm to reduce swelling for the first few days.
Splint
Your child may have been given a splint. You can take the splint off to wash the wrist and hand but it should be kept on day and night for 3 weeks.
Your child may use the arm as they feel comfortable. It is important to keep the elbow moving to prevent stiffness.
Cold packs
A cold pack (ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) can provide short-term pain relief if needed. Apply this to the sore area for up to 15 minutes, every few hours. The ice must never be in direct contact with the skin.
Rest and Elevation
Try to encourage your child to rest the arm for the first 24-72 hours to allow the early stage of healing to begin. Raise the wrist above the level of your heart with a sling if it is throbbing.
Follow up
A follow up appointment is not normally needed for this injury. Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if after 6 weeks your child still has significant pain or swelling.
Contact us
If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan or notice pain other than in your wrist, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.
Caring for your injury: Week by Week
0 – 3 weeks since injury
- √ – Wear the splint
- √ – Use the sling for the first couple of days if the arm is painful.
3-4 weeks since injury
- √ – Remove the splint
- √ – The fracture is healed and you can begin to resume normal activity
- √ – Start the exercises described below if there is any stiffness on removing the splint
- √ – Carry out day to day activities
- X – Heavy tasks, heavy lifting or sport may cause some initial discomfort
- X – Avoid contact sports until after 4 weeks
6 weeks since injury
- X – If your child is still experiencing significant pain and swelling then please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic for advice
Exercises on removal of the splint/cast
Once the splint is removed, if your child has any residual stiffness, please follow the exercises below. Little and often is best. Encourage play with the hand for example, playdough or Lego to re-strengthen the muscles in the wrist and hand and regain movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m concerned about my child’s symptoms and/or he/she is struggling to regain movement
Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.
My child is struggling with the splint. What do I do?
Contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. We can give advice or make changes if needed.
Should my child go to school?
Your child can attend school as normal once their pain has settled.
Contact Details for Bedford and Luton
Please contact the hospital where you attended A&E as the other site will not be able to access your notes
BEDFORD HOSPITAL PATIENTS
How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC)
- Telephone 01234 792036
- Messages will be checked every morning Monday to Friday (except for Bank Holidays)
- Email VFCBedford@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
How do I contact the Fracture Clinic?
- Telephone 01234 792138
How do I contact the Plaster Room?
- Telephone 01234 792031
- Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (out of hours contact the Emergency Department)
LUTON & DUNSTABLE HOSPITAL PATIENTS
How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC)
- Telephone 01582 718121
- Messages will be checked every morning Monday to Friday (except for Bank Holidays)
- Email VFCLuton@ldh.nhs.uk
How do I contact the Fracture Clinic?
- Telephone 01582 497194 or 01582 718 993 (outpatient appointments)
How do I contact the Plaster Room?
- Telephone 01582 491166 (ext. 2233)
- Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (out of hours contact the Emergency Department)