Fracture of the Radius & Ulna

What is a Fracture of the Radius and Ulna?

A fracture of the radius and ulna occurs when one or both of the forearm bones break. The radius is located on the thumb side of the forearm, while the ulna runs along the little finger side. These bones work together to allow movements such as turning the wrist, rotating the forearm, and bending the elbow.

When a fracture occurs, the bone may crack, partially break, or completely separate. In some cases, the bones may also shift out of their normal alignment.

Forearm fractures can happen to people of all ages and are commonly seen after falls, sports accidents, or high-impact injuries.

How Does a Fracture of the Radius and Ulna Happen?

A fracture of the radius and ulna usually occurs due to sudden trauma or force applied to the forearm.

Common causes include:

• Falling onto an outstretched hand
• Direct impact to the forearm during sports
• Road traffic accidents
• High-impact injuries during physical activities
• Contact sports such as football, rugby, or martial arts

For example, someone who falls forward and instinctively stretches their hand to break the fall may place excessive force through the forearm bones, causing them to fracture.

What Are the Symptoms of a Fracture of the Radius and Ulna?

Symptoms usually appear immediately after the injury and can vary depending on the severity of the fracture.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the forearm immediately after injury
• Swelling around the forearm
• Bruising or discoloration
• Visible deformity or abnormal bump in the forearm
• Difficulty or inability to move the wrist or fingers
• Tenderness when touching the injured area
• Grinding or snapping sound at the time of injury
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers if nerves are affected

If these symptoms occur after a fall or injury, medical attention should be sought immediately.

What Should I Do If I Have a Fracture of the Radius and Ulna?

A fracture of the forearm requires immediate medical assessment.

If you suspect a fracture:

• Avoid moving or using the injured arm
• Support the arm using a sling or hold it close to your body
• Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for up to 15–20 minutes to reduce swelling
• Seek medical attention at a hospital or emergency department

Doctors will usually confirm the fracture using X-rays. Treatment often involves immobilising the arm with a cast or splint so the bones can heal properly. In more severe fractures, surgery may be required to realign and stabilise the bones using plates, screws, or rods.

Once the bone has healed sufficiently, physiotherapy is recommended to restore movement and strength.

Physiotherapy Treatment for a Fractured Radius and Ulna

After immobilisation in a cast, the forearm joints can become stiff and the surrounding muscles may weaken. Physiotherapy helps patients regain full movement and function safely.

Physiotherapy treatment may include:

• Joint mobilisation to improve movement in the wrist, elbow, and forearm
• Strengthening exercises for the forearm, wrist, and hand muscles
• Range-of-motion exercises to restore normal joint flexibility
• Grip strengthening exercises to improve hand function
• Manual therapy techniques to reduce stiffness
• Sports injury rehabilitation for athletes returning to activity
• Soft tissue massage to reduce muscle tightness and improve circulation
• Progressive functional training for everyday tasks like lifting or turning objects

At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, physiotherapists design personalised rehabilitation programmes to help patients recover safely and regain full arm function.

What Should I Avoid With a Fracture of the Radius and Ulna?

If you suspect or have been diagnosed with a forearm fracture, certain activities should be avoided to prevent complications.

Avoid the following:

• Using the injured arm before medical assessment
• Lifting objects or applying pressure on the forearm
• Hot showers, heat packs, or heat rubs during the early stage
• Massage directly over the fracture area
• Drinking alcohol soon after the injury, as it may increase swelling
• Returning to sports or heavy activity too early

Following medical advice and completing physiotherapy helps ensure proper healing.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most fractures of the radius and ulna heal well within 6–12 weeks, but recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury.

Possible complications may include:

• Persistent stiffness in the wrist or elbow
• Reduced forearm rotation
• Muscle weakness
• Chronic pain
• Nerve irritation causing numbness or tingling

In some cases, nearby structures such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, or nerves may also be affected during the injury.

Early physiotherapy significantly reduces the risk of long-term problems and helps patients return to normal daily activities.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in treating orthopaedic and sports-related injuries, including forearm fractures and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Our clinic provides:

• Experienced physiotherapists with musculoskeletal expertise
• Personalised rehabilitation programmes
• Advanced physiotherapy techniques for faster recovery
• Sports injury rehabilitation and return-to-activity training

Conveniently located near East Coast Road, we regularly treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.