Can a Broken Wrist Go Back to Normal? What You Need to Know

Honestly, breaking a wrist is one of those things you never expect to happen until it does. And when it does, you’re left wondering, "Can a broken wrist go back to normal?" It’s not just about healing physically – it's also about getting your life back, your mobility, and, of course, your confidence in using your hand again. Let’s dive into what happens when you break a wrist and whether you can really expect it to return to "normal."

Understanding a Broken Wrist: What Happens to Your Bones?

Okay, so first things first. When you break your wrist, the bones in your forearm (the radius or ulna) can break in different ways. Some fractures are simple, where the bone is cracked but not displaced, while others may involve shattered or displaced bones. In either case, your body begins its natural healing process, but how it heals depends on the severity of the fracture.

Types of Wrist Fractures

I remember when I broke my wrist a couple of years ago, it was a simple fall while walking down the stairs. It seemed like no big deal, but once I got to the doctor, I learned that my wrist was actually fractured in a way that required a cast. There are a few common types of wrist fractures, such as:

• Colles' fracture: This is when the radius bone breaks near the wrist, often causing the bone to shift upwards.

• Smith's fracture: A less common fracture, it happens when the radius breaks but the bone shifts downwards.

• Scaphoid fracture: This one involves the small bone on the thumb side of the wrist and is notorious for taking longer to heal.

Depending on the type of fracture, treatment can vary, but usually, you’ll need a cast, and in some cases, surgery.

Can a Broken Wrist Heal Completely?

Well, here's the burning question: can it heal back to normal? The good news is, for most people, the wrist can heal completely, or at least close to it, but it’s not always an easy or quick process. I’ll be honest – the healing journey can be a bit frustrating.

Healing Time: How Long Does It Take?

In general, wrist fractures take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to heal. However, this is just the initial healing phase. After that, you'll likely need physical therapy to restore full mobility and strength. Honestly, when I broke my wrist, I was thinking it would be back to normal in a few weeks. Little did I know that I would have to endure months of rehab to get my wrist back to a functional state.

Physical Therapy: Key to Full Recovery

Physical therapy is crucial in restoring full functionality to the wrist after a fracture. I know this from personal experience – at first, my wrist felt stiff and weak, and even simple tasks like holding a cup were difficult. But over time, with consistent therapy, I was able to regain the range of motion. It's amazing how the body adapts, but it requires patience and commitment.

The Risks: When Does It Not Heal Properly?

Unfortunately, not all wrist fractures heal perfectly. There are some risks and complications that can affect recovery. If a wrist fracture isn’t treated properly, or if the bone doesn’t heal in the right position, it can lead to long-term issues.

Complications to Watch For

• Nonunion: This happens when the bone doesn't heal properly, and the fracture site remains unhealed. In such cases, surgery may be required to properly align the bones.

• Arthritis: Over time, some people develop arthritis in the wrist after a fracture, especially if the joint surfaces were damaged.

• Stiffness or weakness: Even if the fracture heals correctly, you may still experience stiffness or weakness in the wrist. This is why physical therapy is crucial to regain full function.

I remember feeling worried about these possibilities, especially when my wrist started to feel tight and stiff after the cast came off. It was a challenge, but I was determined to get back to normal.

Can You Return to Normal Activities After a Broken Wrist?

This is probably the most important question for anyone recovering from a wrist fracture: When can I go back to doing the things I love? Honestly, it depends on the severity of the injury and how committed you are to rehab.

Sports and Physical Activities

If you’re an active person who loves sports, you might wonder when you can return to things like tennis, basketball, or weightlifting. The short answer? It can take several months before you're fully cleared to engage in high-impact activities. For example, after my wrist healed, my doctor advised me to avoid lifting heavy weights for at least three months to avoid re-injury. I was frustrated at first, but gradually, I could feel the wrist getting stronger with every passing week.

Day-to-Day Life

For most people, everyday activities – like typing, driving, or cooking – can return relatively quickly. Within a few weeks, you should be able to resume these tasks, though they may feel a little uncomfortable at first. However, it might take several months before you can lift heavy objects or engage in more intense physical activities without pain or limitations.

Final Thoughts: Can a Broken Wrist Ever Be "Normal" Again?

Honestly, yes, for most people, a broken wrist can heal to a point where it functions just as well as it did before the injury. However, complete recovery depends on the severity of the break, how well you follow the recovery plan, and how dedicated you are to rehab. While it may not be "normal" right away, with the right treatment, you'll get there.

So, if you've recently suffered a wrist fracture, hang in there – the recovery process can be slow, but with patience and the right care, you can expect your wrist to feel as good as new (or pretty close to it) in time.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.