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Stiff fingers and wrist after distal radius surgery

Posted by ElaineG @elaineg1, Mar 4, 2018

I had 2 surgeries on a crushed wrist, the bone slipped and had to be redone. I’m 66 and have had no experience with this issue. I am in physical therapy but my fingers won’t bend and wrist won’t bend up or down.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 7 7:45pm
In reply to @abcdefghij123456789 "I fell December 18th 2024 and broke my wrist. I had surgery on 12/20/24 had plate..." + (show)
@abcdefghij123456789

I fell December 18th 2024 and broke my wrist. I had surgery on 12/20/24 had plate and screws put in. I had closed reduction wrist fracture. It has been 7 weeks since my surgery. My fingers are very stiff and swollen. I cannot make a fist and I cannot move my wrist. I have been doing some exercises at home with hand and fingers. I just cannot do alot Ithink due to the swelling in my fingers. My ortho doctor ordered therapy 3 days a week for 6 weeks. I start physical therapy on Monday. Is this normal after 7 weeks to still have severe stiffness and swelling in fingers?

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YES! Your experience is very normal after a traumatic wrist injury.
Please see this very recent discussion on the same topic.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/right-compound-distal-radial-and-ulnar-styloid-fracture/
Also, my EMT husband would advise you to ICE...Ice...ice - several times a day. It will really help the swelling.

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