How to Break Your Arm or Wrist: Common Causes and Accidents

Broken arms and wrists are among the most common injuries that people experience, often due to simple misfortunes or accidents. From falls to sports injuries, there are various ways your arm or wrist can break. Understanding the causes can help you take preventive measures and avoid these painful and sometimes serious injuries.

Common Causes of Wrist Fractures

The most common causes of a wrist fracture or break are:

These factors can all lead to a sudden and forceful impact on your wrist, causing it to break or fracture.

Protective Measures

Boxers and competitive fighters often engage in activities that can cause them to break their hands and wrists. They use protective taping to safeguard against this, but it is not 100% effective. One of the most common ways people break their wrist is by extending their hand out to catch themselves when they fall. This is particularly common among novice snowboarders and skateboarders.

Specific Incidents

Sometimes, accidents can be more severe and life-changing. For instance, a car accident can result in significant damage, leading to amputation. Here's a specific example:

I was in a car wreck almost 2 years ago. My car rolled over several times, and at some point, my left arm ended up getting crushed underneath it. The damage to the bone tissue and vessels was so severe that ultimately, the arm could not be saved, and I ended up with an above the elbow amputation.

During my younger years, I was playing football (soccer) when my feet got stuck in the mud. As I pivoted to move away, I felt a sickening crack, and my ankle was not only fractured but dislocated as well. This highlights the importance of body positioning and the forces involved in such incidents.

Another incident involved a trip on vacation:

I broke my wrist several years ago on vacation in Costa Rica when I tripped on an uneven bit of walkway. As I put my hands out to avoid a face plant, I heard a snap, and my wrist bone and three fingers broke. This certainly ruined a vacation that was supposed to be enjoyable.

Conclusion

Broken bones occur due to various means, such as direct impact or twisting or torque. Depending on the force and direction of the impact, different bones can be affected. Preventative measures like using protective gear and being cautious in certain situations can help reduce the risk of such injuries.