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Is it normal to have continuing pain 5 weeks after ORIF of the wrist
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Sep 5 6:51pm | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
@sueinmn , thanks for the reply. Yes, i have been icing - probably not as consistently as i should be. Thanks for reassuring me that it is not uncommon for the pain to linger. I also have arthritis in my hand/thumb area and the OT told me that is also contributing to the pain. I will see the surgeon on Monday for my 6 week post op visit. I know surgeons are more concerned with the mechanics. However i am going to ask if he has any other suggestions for easing pain during the day. I would like to be pain free at least 50% of the day.
Replies to "@sueinmn , thanks for the reply. Yes, i have been icing - probably not as consistently..."
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After numerous hand and wrist surgeries for arthritis, may I suggest you try a compression glove? Between that, ice and stretching probably 10-15 times a day I found it kept the fluids moving and reduced swelling.
When you say pain, are you talking about stabbing or searing pain, or a persistent ache like a bad toothache? A lot of time, hardware can be seriously irritating and your body responds with inflammation.
When you see the surgeon, ask for a custom made moldable splint that can be adjusted with heating, stretching, cutting, padding - much better than the off-the-shelf adjustable splint. Good OT's can make and adjust them as you heal. My hand surgeon and OT went to bat with insurance to get me one so it could relieve pressure on my arthritic thumb and other tender spots. The upside is that I still wear it to protect my wrist when doing heavy work.
Hang in there - it gets better!