Hand and wrist fractures are very common and encompass a range of injuries where there is a break or crack in one or more of the bones of your wrist. The most common of these injuries occurs in the wrist (distal radius fracture) when people try to catch themselves during a fall and land hard on an outstretched hand. Other common hand and wrist fractures include a scaphoid fracture (one of the eight bones in your wrist), metacarpal fracture, or phalangeal fracture (the small bones in your finger).

You may be at higher risk of a broken bone in your hand and wrist if you participate in sports like in-line skating or snowboarding, or if you have a condition in which bones become thinner and more fragile (osteoporosis).

It’s important to treat a broken bone as soon as possible. Otherwise, the bones might not heal in proper alignment, which might affect your ability to do everyday activities, such as writing or buttoning a shirt. Early treatment will also help minimize pain and stiffness.