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A wrist injury after a fall can seem minor at first, especially if you can still move your hand. But if your pain isn’t improving, swelling lingers, or gripping and lifting feel uncomfortable, it may be more than a sprain.
A scaphoid fracture is a common wrist injury after a fall onto an outstretched hand or during sports. Because this small bone has a limited blood supply, early diagnosis is important for proper healing.
At Resilience Orthopedics, we help patients in Los Gatos and San Jose find relief, understand their treatment options, and support healing every step of the way.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD
The Best Orthopedic Surgeon in San Jose
Dr. Mehta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can help you recover from your joint condition. If you:
- Are Suffering From Pain and Mobility Issues
- Need Orthopedic Assessment and Advice
- Want Treatment From a Top Orthopedic Doctor
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What is a Scaphoid Bone Fracture?
The scaphoid is a small bone on the thumb side of the wrist that helps with movement and stability. It can break after a fall, sports injury, or direct impact.
One of the challenges with a scaphoid fracture is that symptoms are not always obvious right away. In some cases, the injury may even be mistaken for a wrist sprain.
Common symptoms include:
- Deep wrist pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness near the base of the thumb
- Reduced grip strength
How We Treat Scaphoid Bone Fractures at Resilience Orthopedics
Scaphoid fractures vary from person to person, so treatment is tailored to your specific injury and symptoms. Here’s what you can expect:
First Appointment
We start with a detailed exam. Dr. Pamela Mehta will review your symptoms, examine your wrist, and talk through how the injury happened.
If you haven’t had imaging yet, we’ll take X-rays in the office. If needed, an MRI or CT scan may be recommended.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Stable fractures are usually treated with a cast or brace and temporary activity changes.
If the fracture is displaced or slow to heal, surgery may be recommended to stabilize it with a screw. We’ll also help manage pain and swelling during recovery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Healing usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the injury.
Scaphoid fractures need time and protection to heal properly. Physical therapy may help restore strength and movement, and we monitor your recovery with follow-up imaging as needed.
Why Choose Resilience Orthopedics for Scaphoid Fracture Treatment
Scaphoid fractures are often missed early, and waiting too long can make healing more difficult because of the bone’s limited blood supply.
At Resilience Orthopedics, Dr. Mehta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who often sees patients after weeks of lingering wrist pain that could have been treated sooner.
She reviews your imaging, looks for subtle signs of injury, and makes sure you’re getting the right diagnosis from your first visit.
If your wrist is still hurting after a fall, it’s important to get it checked. We’ll help you understand what’s going on and guide you through the next steps in your recovery.
Ready to Recover?
Take the first step in getting back to your normal self, and book an appointment with Dr. Mehta today.
We’re ready when you are!
FAQs
Can a Scaphoid Fracture Heal on Its Own?
Yes. Some scaphoid fractures can heal without surgery if they’re stable and haven’t shifted out of place. These are usually treated in a cast for several weeks.
That said, healing may be slow because this bone doesn’t have a strong blood supply. If the fracture is missed or doesn’t heal properly, it may lead to ongoing pain, stiffness, or arthritis.
That’s why early evaluation is important to avoid long-term problems and choose the right treatment from the start.
When Should I See a Doctor for Wrist Pain After a Fall?
If you fell on an outstretched hand and your wrist is still sore after a couple of days, it’s a good idea to have it looked at so you can be sure nothing more serious is going on.
Some of the signs you should look out for are:
- Pain on the thumb side of your wrist
- Swelling that isn’t going down
- Trouble gripping or using your hand normally
- A wrist that feels weak or unstable
- Pain that isn’t improving
These symptoms don’t always mean a fracture, but they are your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. An exam and imaging can help you get clarity and start the right treatment sooner.
What Happens If a Scaphoid Fracture Goes Untreated?
Because the scaphoid has a limited blood supply, untreated fractures often fail to heal properly. This can lead to nonunion, avascular necrosis (where part of the bone dies), and wrist arthritis down the line.
The tricky part is that a scaphoid fracture can feel like a simple sprain, so it’s easy to miss. Any wrist injury that isn’t improving is worth getting checked – early treatment gives the bone the best chance of healing fully.
