North Derbyshire

Health Community

NHS

Advice following a
Colles Fracture of
the Wrist

This leaflet is designed to supplement

the advice given by your GP and to
help you deal with your present
Colles fracture. The information is
written by physiotherapists and is
based on the latest medical advice
PRODUCED BY
NORTH DERBYSHIRE PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES
01246 863031

March 2006

What is a Colles fracture

A Colles fracture is a break of the lower end of the radius bone

of the forearm

Make a fist
Straighten fingers
Repeat 10 times

Hold fingers and wrist

straight.

What causes a Colles

fracture
A Colles fracture occurs most frequently from a fall onto an
outstretched hand, but any sudden force pushing the hand
backwards (as might be experienced in a car accident) can be
responsible for this type of fracture.

Bend wrist towards the little

finger and then towards the
thumb.
Repeat 10 times

Palm on a table
Lift each finger individually
off the table
Repeat 10 times

Tr e a t m e n t o f a C o l l e s f r a c t u r e
Forearm supported on a table with your hand over the
edge and palm facing down.
Let your hand drop down.
Gently assist the movement
with your other hand. Hold
5 seconds, repeat 10 times

Immediate Treatment - You may have had your fracture

immobilised in a plaster cast. In more complex injuries,
surgery may be required to secure the fracture.

Further Treatment - When the cast has been removed, it is

not unusual to experience pain, stiffness and loss of function

Support your elbow on a table with your wrist straight

and your fingers pointing
towards the ceiling.
Make a fist (thumb over
fingers). Straighten your fingers and bring them apart.
Repeat 5 times.

in the wrist and hand; at this stage the aims of treatment will
be to restore the movement, strength and function of the
hand and arm.

A common development after a Colles fracture is a change in

the contour of the back of the wrist due to the bone healing in
a tipped back position. This may appear unsightly, but will

Palm on table.

not interfere with regaining function in the wrist and hand.

Spread fingers and bring

them together.
Repeat 5 times

Self help measures

Stand with palms of your
hands on a table. Keep
your arms straight and
fingers pointing forward.

.
It is important to begin to use the hand as soon as you are
able, but remember that the wrist and hand have not moved

Press down and straighten

your fingers against the
table. Hold 5 - 10 seconds,
repeat 5 times

for some time, so recovery may be a gradual process over

several months.

Heat - The use of heat may help and one of the best

Forearm supported on a
table.

ways to apply warmth is to immerse your hand and wrist

Bend and straighten your

wrist keeping your fingers
straight throughout the exercise.

in a bowl of comfortably warm water. You may also find

that hand and wrist movements are easier when
performed in warm water.

Repeat 5 times

Exercise
The following exercises will help to get the wrist and hand

Sit or stand. Forearms

horizontally in front of you
and palms together.

functioning effectively again.

Alternately turn palm up
and down keeping elbow
by your side.
Repeat 5 times

Push palms together for 5

seconds. Relax.
Repeat 10 times