11/06/2026
FOOSH – Fall On Outstretched Hand: More Than Just a Wrist Injury
A FOOSH (Fall On Outstretched Hand) injury occurs when you instinctively put your hand out to break a fall. Whilst this natural reaction may protect other parts of the body, it can transmit significant force through the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder, resulting in a range of injuries.
Common Injuries Following a FOOSH
🦴 Distal Radius Fracture
One of the most common wrist fractures, often causing pain, swelling, bruising and loss of function.
🦴 Scaphoid Fracture
A fracture of a small wrist bone near the thumb. Early diagnosis is essential as delayed treatment can affect healing.
🦴 Wrist Ligament Injuries
Damage to ligaments such as the scapholunate ligament can lead to instability, weakness and persistent pain.
🦴 Thumb and Hand Injuries
Including fractures, sprains, dislocations and tendon injuries that can significantly affect grip strength and hand function.
🦴 Radial Head Fracture
A common elbow injury following a FOOSH, often resulting in pain, swelling and difficulty straightening or rotating the arm.
🦴 Clavicle (Collar Bone) Fracture
The force of a fall can be transmitted to the shoulder girdle, resulting in a fractured collar bone and difficulty moving the arm.
🦴 Shoulder Injuries
These may include:
* Proximal humerus fractures
* Shoulder dislocations
* Rotator cuff injuries
* Acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprains
* Soft tissue injuries causing pain, weakness and restricted movement
Recovery Doesn’t End When the Fracture Heals
Many people assume that once a fracture has healed or a cast has been removed, recovery is complete. However, it is common to experience:
* Joint stiffness
* Swelling
* Reduced grip strength
* Loss of movement
* Weakness
* Difficulty returning to work, hobbies or sport
Without appropriate rehabilitation, these issues can persist long after the initial injury has healed.
Why Physiotherapy and Hand Therapy Are Essential
Early specialist rehabilitation plays a vital role in optimising recovery.
At Oxford Hand Therapy, our expert clinicians provide comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatment to help:
✅ Restore movement and flexibility
✅ Improve strength and endurance
✅ Reduce pain and swelling
✅ Prevent long-term stiffness and complications
✅ Facilitate a safe return to work, sport and everyday activities
✅ Maximise hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder function
Expert Assessment. Personalised Rehabilitation.
Every FOOSH injury is different. Whether you’ve sustained a simple sprain, a complex fracture, tendon injury or shoulder problem, an accurate assessment and tailored rehabilitation programme can significantly improve your outcome and speed up recovery.
Oxford Hand Therapy
🌐 www.oxfordhandtherapy.co.uk
📞 01865 684865
If you’ve had a fall and are experiencing ongoing pain, stiffness or weakness in your hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder, contact our specialist team for expert assessment and rehabilitation. Early intervention can make all the difference.
Advanced Upper Limb Physiotherapists Your Destination for Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation
