The following steps will help you learn to recognize a broken wrist and to decide how to take care of it.
Symptoms
Here’s what to look for to tell if the wrist is broken. You don’t have to see all of these, but the more you see, the bigger the chance that the wrist is busted.
PainSwellingBruisingDeformityNumbness or tinglingBroken skin with bone visibleLimited mobility of the wrist
Immediate Response
If an accident occurs, make sure the injured person is in a safe location. Check for bleeding and apply pressure to any open wounds until the bleeding stops. If needed, the wound can be rinsed, ideally with sterile water or saline solution. Cover any broken skin with a sterile dressing.
Splinting a Wrist
If an ambulance is unavailable, it may be necessary to splint the broken wrist. Before splinting, check the following three things:
Check circulation by comparing the color and temperature of the injured wrist against the uninjured wrist. Check sensation by asking the patient which finger you are touching. Check motion by having the patient wiggle his or her fingers.
In an emergency situation, you can make a splint with a heavy stick, folded cardboard, or a rolled-up newspaper along with some one-inch strips of cloth. Avoid using duct tape or other adhesive tapes that may be difficult to remove later.
To make a homemade splint:
Gently wrap the wrist in some cloth or padding to help cushion the break. Do not attempt to realign the bones; leave that task to the professionalsPlace the splint so that it rests on the joint above and the joint below the injury. Using strips of cloth, fasten the splint tightly enough to keep the joint steady and secure but not enough to cut off circulation. Try not to place ties directly over the wound. Be sure to immobilize the hand. Any movement of the hand will result in pressure on the wrist. Recheck circulation, sensation, and motion.
Other Tips
If, after splinting, the wrist begins to swell, turn pale, or look blue-ish, loosen the ties a bit. They may be too tight. The ties should be secure enough to stabilize the wrist, but you should always be able to feel a pulse.
You should also loosen the ties if there in continued or worsening pain. If these measures don’t help and the injured person is still experiencing pain, you should remove the splint altogether.
