Going home after your visit
Suspected scaphoid fracture — wrist advice
How to care for your wrist, and why your follow-up appointment matters.
You may have broken your scaphoid — a small bone on the thumb side of your wrist. These breaks often do not show on the first x-ray, so we treat your wrist as if it is broken and arrange a review to be safe.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
Go to A&E or an urgent treatment centre if any of these happen
These can mean the cast is too tight, or that blood or nerves to your hand are being squeezed. Get checked the same day.
- Fingers that turn numb, pale, cold or very swollen
- You cannot move your fingers
- Pain that keeps getting worse and will not settle
- The splint or cast feels too tight, even after raising your hand
- Pins and needles that do not go away
- Skin around the splint breaks down or feels very sore
CALL 999 Do not loosen or cut the cast yourself — get it checked by a healthcare professional.
Caring for it
- Wear the splint or cast you were given at all times, as advised.
- Keep your fingers and thumb moving to avoid stiffness.
- Raise your hand when resting to reduce swelling.
- Keep the splint or cast dry.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain if you can take them.
- Do not drive if the splint stops you controlling the car safely.
Why the follow-up matters
A scaphoid fracture can be hard to see at first and, if missed, may not heal properly. So it is important to keep your follow-up appointment, even if the wrist feels better — you will usually have another x-ray or a scan in about 1–2 weeks to check.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a red-flag symptom above
111
Urgent but not life-threatening, or you're not sure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team
Use the department phone in Your care details above