Common hand & wrist concerns we treat
- Pain that limits walking, lifting, or sleep
- Stiffness, swelling, or reduced range of motion
- Sports injuries: acute or overuse
- Arthritis or post-traumatic joint changes
- Conditions other doctors couldn't resolve
Wrist Fracture
A broken wrist
Wrist fractures (most commonly of the distal radius or scaphoid) usually result from a fall onto an outstretched hand and require prompt evaluation. Same-day or next-week evaluations across eight LA-area offices.
See a specialist this week
Board-certified surgeons and podiatrists across eight Los Angeles area neighborhoods.
Book a visitOr call (323) 264-7600
What sets LAOSS apart
- Same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles-area offices
- On-site imaging; PT coordinated with your in-network provider
- Conservative-first care, surgery only when needed
- Board-certified specialists, not generalists
Key takeaways
- A wrist fracture is one of many hand & wrist conditions our specialists evaluate every day.
- Many wrist fractures heal in a cast or splint. Fractures that are displaced or unstable may need to be set or fixed with surgery so the bone heals in line.
- When a procedure is the right call, we explain every option, recovery timeline, and return-to-activity milestone.
- On-site imaging at most offices and same-day appointments across eight Los Angeles-area locations.
What is a wrist fracture?
Wrist fractures (most commonly of the distal radius or scaphoid) usually result from a fall onto an outstretched hand and require prompt evaluation. Some fractures, especially of the scaphoid, cause only mild pain and swelling and can be mistaken for a sprain, so wrist pain after a fall should be examined and X-rayed.
Treatment depends on whether the broken bone is still lined up. Stable fractures usually heal in a cast or splint for several weeks, with X-rays along the way to confirm the bone has not shifted. Fractures that are displaced or unstable may need to be set (reduced), or fixed with a plate and screws or pins, so the wrist heals in the right position.
Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, the symptoms and causes we most often see, how we diagnose a wrist fracture, and the full range of treatment options, from the simplest to the most involved.
Watch: Colles Fractures
A Colles fracture is a break of one or both of the forearm bones (called the radius and ulna) that occurs just above the wrist. Although this type of injury can be caused by any strong force, Colles is most often associated with trying to break a forward fall.
Inside the hand & wrist.
The hand and wrist are an intricate stack of small bones, tendons, and nerves that let you grip, pinch, and feel. The median, ulnar, and radial nerves carry sensation and movement from the forearm into the fingers. Most hand and wrist problems are either a tendon issue (trigger finger, De Quervain's), a nerve compression (carpal or cubital tunnel), or arthritis at one of the small joints.
Symptoms and causes of a wrist fracture
Common symptoms
- Pain and swelling at the wrist
- Visible deformity (in displaced fractures)
- Tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist (scaphoid)
- Difficulty moving the wrist or hand
Common causes
- Fall onto an outstretched hand
- Direct blow to the wrist
- Sports trauma (skiing, cycling, contact sports)
- Osteoporosis in older adults
How we diagnose a wrist fracture
You want answers, fast, and we're built to give them. Most patients leave their first LAOSS visit with a clear diagnosis and a written plan, not another referral chain.
Here's what your initial visit for a wrist fracture typically looks like:
- Detailed history: when it started, what makes it better or worse, what you've already tried
- Focused exam of the hand & wrist: range of motion, stability, strength, specific provocation tests
- On-site imaging at most offices: X-ray for bone, ultrasound or MRI when soft-tissue detail is needed
- A written plan with options ranging from conservative care to surgical procedures, in plain English
Schedule your evaluation at the LAOSS office nearest you.
How we treat a wrist fracture at LAOSS
Once we've confirmed the diagnosis, the next step is matching the right treatment to your situation. We start with the least-invasive option that fits, and escalate only when it doesn't.
Conservative care
Step 1Non-surgical care for stable fractures
Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.
- Splint or cast for several weeks
- Closed reduction (setting the bone) when it has shifted
- Follow-up X-rays to confirm the bone stays lined up
- Elevation, ice, and pain control for swelling
- Hand therapy to restore motion and grip after the cast comes off
Surgical care
When neededSurgical options when needed
Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.
- Plate and screw fixation (open reduction and internal fixation)
- Pin fixation for select fracture patterns
- External fixation for severe or open fractures
- Repair of associated ligament injuries when needed
- Hand therapy after surgery
Why experience matters.
Why experience matters
Hand & wrist care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you actually feel six months later.
- Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
- Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
- Surgical technique refined over thousands of cases
- On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider
The LAOSS approach
Our hand & wrist specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits your situation, escalate only when it doesn't.
- Same-day imaging at most offices
- PT coordinated in your insurance network
- Board-certified surgeons performing the procedures themselves
- Direct access to your specialist between visits
Am I a candidate?
If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a hand & wrist specialist is the next step.
You may be a candidate if
These signs typically point toward an in-person evaluation with a hand & wrist specialist.
- Pain or stiffness in the hand & wrist that lasts more than a few days
- Swelling, instability, or noticeable change in function
- Symptoms that limit gripping, lifting, sleep, or work
- Previous treatment that didn't fully resolve the problem
- Imaging or exam findings that suggest an underlying issue
What evaluation includes
Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.
- Detailed history: onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
- Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
- On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
- Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
- Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests
ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, a wrist that looks deformed, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).
Your hand & wrist recovery roadmap.
Recovery is rarely a straight line, but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.
- Days 0 to 14
Right after care
In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the hand & wrist, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.
- Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
- Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
- Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
- Follow-up scheduled to track healing
- Weeks 2 to 8
Rehabilitation
Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the hand & wrist.
- Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
- Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
- Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
- Months 2+
Long-term care
Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there, and catching any recurrence early.
- Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
- Home program tailored to your sport or job
- Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
- Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations
What to weigh before you decide.
We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient. Informed consent is a conversation, not a form.
General considerations
Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.
- Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
- Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
- Reaction to anesthesia or medications
- Need for additional procedures in some cases
Hand and wrist considerations
Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the hand & wrist. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.
- Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
- Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
- Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
- Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function
Meet our hand & wrist doctors in the Greater Los Angeles area
At LAOSS, our hand & wrist specialists are board-certified and treat these problems every day. From minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to joint replacement and arthritis management, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. We have cared for Los Angeles patients since 2007, with one goal for each: less pain, better movement, and a return to the activities you love.
Care for a wrist fracture starts here
Don't let a wrist fracture be something you just power through. With same- or next-day appointments at multiple Los Angeles locations, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. The same team handles your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Whether you need a cast, surgery, or hand therapy, we plan it with you and coordinate each step.
Call or schedule online today to see a hand & wrist specialist in Los Angeles.
From our Google reviews
Read all 9,626 reviews on GoogleWhat patients say
“The best! They repaired my super broken wrist to a new. Dr Peckrell is the best specialist. He is also caring, and kind. Dr Witty is great too, and all the stuff is super nice helpful, and profesional. You are in great hands there.”
Karina C.Google reviewWilshireNov 2025
“Very professional and helped me with my broken wrist definitely would recommend.”
Thomas G.Google reviewEast Los AngelesDec 2022
Selected 5-star reviews from Google, shown as written. Individual results vary.
Common wrist fracture questions
- We start with a focused orthopedic exam and detailed history. X-rays are usually done in-office; MRI or ultrasound is ordered when soft-tissue detail is needed. Most patients leave the first visit with a clear diagnosis and a written plan.
Don't wait on pain.
Book a visit with a hand & wrist specialist at any of our eight Los Angeles-area offices.
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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
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