What happens when your wrist cast comes off?
When the cast is removed most people find that their wrist is stiff, weak and uncomfortable to start with. It may also be prone to swelling and the skin dry or flaky, this is quite normal. It is normal to get some pain after your fracture.
How long does wrist stiffness last after cast removal?
After the cast is removed, it’s normal for the wrist to be stiff for 1 to 2 months. For some patients—such as those who are older, have osteoarthritis, or were victims of a high energy break such as from a car accident— this stiffness may last up to 2 years.
How do you strengthen your wrist after breaking it?
Wrist extensor stretch
- Extend the arm with the affected wrist in front of you and point your fingers toward the floor.
- With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
- Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat 2 to 4 times.
How often should you do wrist exercises?
For best results, stretches should be done several times a day. For each exercise, hold each position for 5–10 seconds and do 10 repetitions of each exercise. Repeat two or three times a day. Stretches should be done slowly to avoid injury.
Is a bone completely healed when a cast comes off?
During this “remodeling”, the body can straighten the fractured bone by laying new bone on the inside edge, and taking away bone on the outside of the angled area. In young children, bones can remodel fairly large angles, healing to appear completely normal within one to two years.
Is it OK to take a splint off?
A splint protects a broken bone or other injury. If you have a removable splint, follow your doctor’s instructions and only remove the splint if your doctor says it’s okay. Most splints can be adjusted. Your doctor will show you how to do this and will tell you when you might need to adjust the splint.
Why is my wrist so stiff after cast removal?
It is normal for your wrist to feel vulnerable once out of plaster because it hasn’t been moved for a long time. It is important that swelling, pain, strength and stiffness are addressed following the removal of the plaster. It is normal to have some pain once your cast comes off.
What exercises can I do to strengthen my wrists?
Sit comfortably with your arm resting over your knees. Hold a weight with your palms facing down and your wrist hanging over the knee. Move your hand up as far as possible and then down as far as possible in a slow and controlled motion. Do a set of 10, then repeat.
Can I exercise my fingers with a cast on my wrist?
Perform these 5 gentle and safe finger exercises while you are in a wrist cast to avoid stiffness, pain, and swelling in the fingers. There can be several reasons why you need a cast or splint on your wrist- a fractured (broken) wrist, a sprain or strained ligament, a wound or laceration, nerve injury, and so on.
How can I stretch my wrist without hurting it?
Grab your hand with your non-injured hand, and gently add overpressure by pulling your hand and fingers back. Hold the position for five seconds, and then relax. Repeat the stretch for five repetitions. Next, flex your wrist down while holding your arm in front of you.
What are some ptpt exercises for a broken wrist?
PT Exercises for Your Wrist 1 Wrist Range of Motion. After wearing a cast or a splint on your wrist while your Colles’ fracture… 2 Handgrip Exercises. Once your doctor removes your cast after your Colles’ fracture has healed,… 3 Putty Exercises for the Thumb, and Fingers. 4 Wrist and Forearm Strengthening Exercises After Colles’ Fracture.
Should you move your wrist during recovery from a broken wrist?
According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), “During recovery, it is very important to keep your fingers moving to keep them from getting stiff. Your hand surgeon will have you start moving your wrist at the right time for your fracture.”