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Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) Distal Radius Recovery
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Nov 2, 2025 | Replies (40)Comment receiving replies
I'm three weeks almost out of wrist ORIF with lots of damage to surrounding bones. I'm trying hard not to get discouraged. My sleep is so interrupted it's a wonder I'm not a zombie. I wear an Apple watch that keeps track of sleep stages. I am awake an average of 18 times a night due to discomfort. I had to stop the pain meds because of side effect (headaches and constipation) and can't take NSAIDs, so I am uncomfortable 24/7. This is way worse than I expected, and reading the posts here makes me feel like Sisyphus. Someone suggested red light therapy so I started that today, and hope it will be as helpful as it was when I broke my hip last year. I was not sent to PT but am doing it on my own and have pretty fair use of motion -- can make a fist and other things, but my thumb is the problem. Really hurts to use it, so I don't. Overall my continual pain is around a 5-6 and my attitude hovers around 4.
Replies to "I'm three weeks almost out of wrist ORIF with lots of damage to surrounding bones. I'm..."
@geedub I am so sorry . Why didn’t the surgeon order O.T. ? I had an ORIf last year and that was a big help. I am not familiar with red light therapy. I would definitely consult the doctor about pain management. Using ice frequently is a good idea. Use gentle motion (guiding with your other hand)to move your thumb. If you are not moving it , it will freeze . I had a hip replacement a couple of years ago and the postoperative pain was much worse for the wrist. Contact the doctor so you don’t have to remain in pain.
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@geedub Ouch! My daughter went through this four years ago after smashing her wrist and the tip of her ulna in a fall.
Recovery is Looong... and often painful. She was also unable to use opioids and most NSAIDS, so ICE, Ice, ice was he constant companion - for many months.
At three weeks, the incisions have barely begun to heal, and certainly not the bones themselves.
Here are some things that helped her - ice, elevation (keeping arm/wrist above heart level at all times) and making sure the wraps and bandages were not too tight (we had to work with her to adjust them many times.)
At night, she slept with her arm cradled in soft pillows and covered in ice packs. She also used red light therapy ( a prescribed unit to make sure it is the correct wave length) and it helped a little.
Not trying to be "Debbie Downer" here, but it was nearly 3 months before she was out of pain most of the time. She used guided meditation and self-hypnosis to help her relax.
Have you talked to the surgeon about any other possible strategies? Maybe a referral to a pain management clinic to help you through this tough time?