Wrist injury claims

The wrist connects the forearm to the hand through several small bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves and blood vessels. It supports rotation and positions the hand for grip and precise movement; a wrist injury may also affect the forearm or hand.

A fall onto an outstretched hand can fracture a wrist bone or strain ligaments. A direct impact or crush can injure bone, soft tissue, skin or nerves. A sudden twist may affect ligaments or tendons and can limit movement even without an obvious wound. Some fractures are not obvious from appearance alone, so assessment may be needed when pain and function remain affected.

Pain, tenderness, bruising or swelling around the wrist. Difficulty rotating the forearm, bending the wrist, gripping or bearing weight through the hand. Stiffness, weakness or altered sensation that affects dressing, writing, lifting and household tasks.

A dated event account, available incident report, witness details and safe photographs. Clinical assessment, imaging, splint or cast instructions, treatment, therapy and follow-up records. Notes on grip, movement, hand use, daily tasks, work changes, absence and related costs.

Recovery varies with the bone or soft tissue involved, fracture alignment, treatment, hand dominance and rehabilitation. Stiffness or weakness can persist after immobilisation and may need clinician-guided exercises. Follow care instructions and seek review for worsening pain, new numbness or changes in hand colour or temperature. Seek urgent care for a severe wrist injury, obvious deformity, a hand that becomes pale or cold, uncontrolled bleeding, or new loss of sensation or movement.

Typing, lifting, tool use, driving, handling small objects and repetitive wrist movements may be affected. Record specific task changes, adaptations, absence and resulting costs; effects depend on occupation and which hand is injured.