How to Manage a Colles Fracture

Have you experienced a recent Colles fracture?

If so, the condition can be daunting, but proactive rehabilitation is key to recovery and prevention.

Keep reading to learn how you can best manage a Colles fracture.

Understanding a Colles Fracture

A Colles fracture occurs when the distal radius bone in the forearm breaks, typically due to a fall on an outstretched hand.

Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion.

Typically, a Colles fracture requires six to eight weeks in a cast. While casted, you can do exercises to help promote blood flow and improve your range of motion. These exercises include:

• Tendon Glides: To maintain finger flexibility and prevent stiffness.
• Hand Pumps: To stimulate circulation.
• Elbow Range of Motion:To keep the elbow mobile and aid in overall arm function.

Once your cast comes off, you will experience decreased range of motion and strength in the wrist.

Here are exercises you can do to improve both:

• Wrist Range of Motion: To keep the wrist mobile.
• Towel Squeezes: To strengthen wrist and hand muscles.

Recovering from a Colles fracture requires dedication to rehabilitation exercises.

By following these exercises diligently, you can expedite recovery and reduce the risk of future injuries!

Whether you’re struggling with an ache or pain, or overcoming an injury, let our Occupational Therapists create a personalized plan to help you feel and move your best!

Treatment is covered by insurance, no referral is needed to start, and with flexible appointments available, you can find a time that works with your schedule.

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