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Recovery after Wrist Fracture

Posted by legolandfan @legolandfan, Oct 3, 2022

I had a non displaced wrist fracture and was in a cast for about 5 weeks. I am out of the cast now and in physical therapy. I have very swollen and stiff fingers. Especially if I am not elevating my arm or doing exercises. I am on a medrol pack now, wearing a compression glove and doing lots of finger and wrist exercises. When can expect to see an improvement? What will recovery be like? Anyone have a similar experience? Thank you and sending healing thoughts to everyone who needs them.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Oct 4, 2022

Welcome @legolandfan, My wife broke her last year and once she was out of the cast she had multiple PT appointments to check her hand strength, each time she was given a few more exercises to focus on with the hand. I think it was several months before her hand felt more normal like it was before she fell and broke her wrist. The icing, elevating and hand/finger exercises played a major part in her recovery. While we wait for other members to share their experience, here is some information that might be helpful.

"How long does it take to fully recover from a wrist fracture?
After a wrist fracture, most of the healing happens between 6 to 12 weeks. It's normal to have aches and discomfort beyond this. This often happens when you try activities you haven't done for a while. It's also normal for the area to be more sensitive for several months after the injury."
-- Wrist fracture: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/fractures/wrist-fracture

Did they give you several of the washable compression sleeves for your hand or do just have a compression glove?

REPLY
1 reply
legolandfan | @legolandfan | Oct 4, 2022
In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @legolandfan, My wife broke her last year and once she was out of the cast..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Welcome @legolandfan, My wife broke her last year and once she was out of the cast she had multiple PT appointments to check her hand strength, each time she was given a few more exercises to focus on with the hand. I think it was several months before her hand felt more normal like it was before she fell and broke her wrist. The icing, elevating and hand/finger exercises played a major part in her recovery. While we wait for other members to share their experience, here is some information that might be helpful.

"How long does it take to fully recover from a wrist fracture?
After a wrist fracture, most of the healing happens between 6 to 12 weeks. It's normal to have aches and discomfort beyond this. This often happens when you try activities you haven't done for a while. It's also normal for the area to be more sensitive for several months after the injury."
-- Wrist fracture: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/fractures/wrist-fracture

Did they give you several of the washable compression sleeves for your hand or do just have a compression glove?

Jump to this post

Thank you for your thoughtful response and relaying your wife’s experience. I also learned a lot from the link you provided.

I just have one compression glove and do not have a sleeve. I may ask my hand therapist about getting more than one so I can wash it. My therapist recommended wearing it most of the time. Did your wife wear compression garments and find them helpful? I hope she has made a full recovery.

I am finding the wrist, finger, hand and shoulder exercises very helpful. Good to hear that exercises were so helpful in your wife’s recovery. Thanks again for your support!

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Oct 4, 2022
In reply to @legolandfan "Thank you for your thoughtful response and relaying your wife’s experience. I also learned a lot..." + (show)
@legolandfan

Thank you for your thoughtful response and relaying your wife’s experience. I also learned a lot from the link you provided.

I just have one compression glove and do not have a sleeve. I may ask my hand therapist about getting more than one so I can wash it. My therapist recommended wearing it most of the time. Did your wife wear compression garments and find them helpful? I hope she has made a full recovery.

I am finding the wrist, finger, hand and shoulder exercises very helpful. Good to hear that exercises were so helpful in your wife’s recovery. Thanks again for your support!

Jump to this post

Thank you, My wife has pretty much recovered from her wrist surgery. She no longer wears the compression sleeve but did wear it for a few weeks when she went back to work as it did help protect it some when she was working. Good luck on your recovery!

REPLY
legolandfan | @legolandfan | Oct 4, 2022

Thank you John! Happy to hear your wife is doing well. Take care!

REPLY
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