How long does it take a wrist fracture to heal?

According to The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, wrist fractures can take anywhere from six to eight weeks to heal. However, long-term recovery can take up to a year.

The most common type of wrist fracture is the Colles' Fracture, according to WebMD. When this type of fracture occurs, patients usually require a splint during the first week of recovery as the swelling goes down in the wrist. After the first week, a cast is used to immobilize the wrist and allow the bones to heal correctly.

Typically, patients can expect to wear a cast for at least six weeks. Once the cast is removed, physical therapy may be required depending on the severity of the injury.