Radius

The radius is the larger of the two forearm bones, running along the thumb side of the forearm from the elbow down to the wrist, where it forms the primary bony surface of the wrist joint.

What your radius does and how it gets injured

The radius plays a central role in wrist movement — most of the articulation at the wrist involves the radius rather than the ulna — and it also contributes to forearm rotation, the motion that turns your palm to face up or down. At the elbow, the head of the radius rotates against the humerus and ulna to enable this rotation. Radius fractures are among the most common fractures in the body. A distal radius fracture — a break near the wrist — frequently occurs when someone catches themselves during a fall with an outstretched hand. These fractures can range from simple breaks that heal with immobilization to complex injuries requiring surgical fixation. At the elbow, radial head fractures are a frequent result of falls and can affect the forearm's ability to rotate, particularly in the early stages after injury.

How Sword Health can help

After a radius fracture, recovering full wrist and forearm motion requires a structured rehabilitation program that gradually restores range of motion, grip strength, and functional use of the hand and arm. A physical therapist can guide that process from home through Sword, with clinical expertise ensuring your recovery progresses safely and completely.