Tips For Healing After An Osteoporotic Wrist Fracture

20 September 2017
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog


Osteoporosis causes a lack of bone density as you get older and can lead to fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. If you live with osteoporosis and have fallen and fractured your wrist, then these tips will help you heal more quickly:

Tip: Keep Your Cast Clean and Dry

Since osteoporotic wrist fractures often take many months to heal, it is important that you keep your cast clean and dry. If your cast gets wet, then it will cause your skin to break down underneath it and itch. When your skin breaks down, then your doctor may need to remove your cast to allow it time to heal. If this happens, then it will ultimately take longer for you to gain complete use of your hand and arm again.

Tip: Take Your Pain Medications as Prescribed by Your Doctor

In the first couple of days after your wrist has been cast, you may experience a fair amount of pain. To control your pain, it is essential that you take your pain medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you wait too long between doses, then the pain medication will not work as well to control your pain. After the first couple of days, then your pain should subside and you should be able to use over-the-counter pain medications when your wrist hurts. It is important to note that if you still need prescription painkillers after the first few days, then you should make a follow-up appointment with your doctor because your cast may need to be redone.

Tip: Attend All of Your Physical Therapy Appointments

Since your bones are weak from osteoporosis, it will take a long time for your wrist to completely heal. To help the process along, it is important that you attend all of your physical therapy appointments. Your physical therapist will work with your hand and arm to ensure your muscles stay toned while you are wearing your wrist's cast. Proper muscle tone is essential for maximum future mobility.

Tip: Speak to Your Doctor About Preventing Future Osteoporotic Fractures

Finally, once you have suffered an osteoporotic fracture of your wrist, it is important you understand that your other wrist, your spine, and your hip bones are also at risk of breaking in the future. To prevent future osteoporotic fractures, it is vital that you speak to your physician about preventative treatments. Your doctor can prescribe special medications, such as from Radius,  to help your bones become stronger and denser.


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