Preparing for your appointment

You may initially seek treatment for a broken wrist or broken hand in an emergency room or urgent care clinic. If the pieces of broken bone aren't lined up properly to allow healing with immobilization, you may be referred to a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery.

What you can do

You may want to write a list that includes:

Detailed descriptions of your symptoms and how the injury occurred

Information about past medical problems

Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings

All the medications and dietary supplements you take

Questions you want to ask the doctor

Preparing a list of questions for your doctor will help you make the most of your time together. For broken wrist or broken hand, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

What kinds of tests do I need?

What's the best course of action?

Will I need surgery?

Will I need to wear a cast? If so, for how long?

Will I need any physical therapy when the cast comes off?

Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?

Should I see a specialist?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask:

How did the injury happen?

Was your wrist or hand bent backward or forward when the impact occurred?

Are you right-handed or left-handed?

Where does it hurt, and does any specific movement make it hurt more or less?

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