Fractures of the hand, wrist, and forearm can significantly impact your ability to perform everyday tasks. These injuries often occur from falls, sports accidents, or work-related trauma and require specialized care to ensure proper healing and restore function. At Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates, Dr. David W. Fischer, MD, FAAOS, provides expert management of these complex injuries, combining advanced techniques with compassionate care.

Understanding Upper Extremity Fractures

The hand, wrist, and forearm are made up of multiple small bones that work together to provide strength and dexterity. When a fracture occurs, it can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to pain, swelling, and loss of motion.

Common fractures include:

• Hand fractures – affecting the metacarpals or phalanges
• Wrist fractures – such as distal radius or scaphoid fractures
• Forearm fractures – involving the radius and ulna

These injuries often require precise alignment and stabilization to prevent long-term complications like stiffness, arthritis, or deformity.

Symptoms of Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Fractures

Fractures in the upper extremity can vary in severity, but most share common warning signs. Recognizing these symptoms early is critical for proper treatment and preventing long-term complications.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain immediately after injury, often worsening with movement
• Swelling and bruising around the injured area
• Visible deformity or misalignment of the hand, wrist, or forearm
• Limited range of motion or inability to move fingers or wrist
• Tenderness to touch and increased pain when gripping or lifting objects
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers, which may indicate nerve involvement
• Open wounds or exposed bone in severe fractures (requires emergency care)

If you experience any of these symptoms after a fall, sports injury, or accident, seek medical attention immediately. Delaying care can lead to improper healing, stiffness, and long-term functional issues.   If you suspect a fracture, prompt evaluation is critical to avoid improper healing. 

Sometimes fractures occur and pain happens later.  If you suspect a possible stress fracture or are experiencing pain above normal levels, call and schedule an appointment.   

Treatment Options with Dr. Fischer

Dr. Fischer offers a comprehensive approach to fracture management, including:

• Non-surgical care – casting, splinting, and immobilization for stable fractures.
• Surgical intervention – using advanced fixation techniques for complex or displaced fractures.
• Rehabilitation – personalized therapy plans to restore strength and mobility.

His goal is to ensure proper bone healing while minimizing pain and maximizing function.

Hand, wrist, and forearm fractures require expert care to ensure proper healing and restore full function. At Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates, Dr. David W. Fischer combines advanced techniques with a patient-first approach to deliver exceptional results. Whether your injury is from sports, work, or an accident, our team is here to guide you through every step of recovery. Don’t let pain or limited mobility hold you back—call us today at (509) 586-2828 to schedule your consultation and get back to the activities you love.