How long will my wrist be stiff 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 can I strengthen my hand after a broken wrist?
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 long does it take to straighten arm after cast?
After about 3 to 6 months, most patients can resume heavier wrist or arm activity and sports. It is important that you start to exercise your arm as soon as your cast is removed.
How long does the stiffness last after cast removal?
It usually takes four to six weeks for new bone to form to heal your fracture. 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.
Should wrist still be swollen after cast comes off?
Expect swelling/discomfort for up to one year after fracture, especially around the little finger side of the wrist. This is normal and does not mean there is anything to worry about. Your wrist and hand may also be very sensitive. Keep your wrist and hand moving to ease this and ask your physiotherapist for advice.
How can I regain my wrist strength?
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.
How do you stretch your elbow after casting?
Elbow flexion stretch
- Lift the arm that bothers you, and bend the elbow. Your palm should face toward you.
- With your other hand, gently push on the back of your affected forearm.
- Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat 2 to 4 times.
How do you strengthen your hand after breaking it?
Claw Stretch- With your palm facing out, move your fingers into a claw-like position for 30-60 seconds. Grip Strengthening- Squeeze a grip-strengthening ball as tightly as possible 10-15 times with each hand. Pinch Strengthening- Pinch a soft foam ball between the tip of one of your fingers and your thumb.
How to do arm exercises after a cast?
Begin with these exercises: 2x / day after removal of a cast. 1) Bend elbow at 90 degrees and hold next to body with other hand. Hand open Turn palm up. Turn palm down. Repeat 20 times each movement. 2)
What kind of exercises can I do with a cast on my wrist?
These exercises can often be performed while your wrist is still in a cast. Tendon gliding includes the following types of exercises: — Hook fist: Beginning with straight fingers, the last 2 joints in your fingers are bent while keeping your largest knuckles straight.
What should I do with my Thumb after cast removal?
Include thumb exercises in your routine of hand exercises after cast removal. Lift your thumb up as if you are hitchhiking. Bend your thumb out to the side as if you are grabbing a cup. Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of each finger.
What happens to your fingers when you have a wrist cast?
Ideally your cast should allow full finger motion as shown here. It is very common for fingers to get stiff when you have a cast or splint on. Swelling, pain, and restrictions from the cast or splint can quickly cause the small joints and ligaments in your fingers to lose flexibility.