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10 Recovery Tips for Broken Wrist Injuries
A broken wrist, often immobilised by a cast or splint to facilitate recovery, can be challenging to manage. However, the right strategies can support faster and more effective healing.
Here are ten tips to help you recover from a broken wrist and regain strength and mobility.
Elevate Your Wrist
After a wrist injury, swelling is a natural response as your body attempts to heal the damaged area. Elevating your wrist above your heart level can significantly reduce swelling by encouraging blood flow away from the injured area.
Try propping your arm on a pillow while sitting or sleeping, and use slings for added support while moving around. Keeping your wrist elevated during the initial stages of recovery is crucial, as it minimises pain and accelerates healing.
Use Pain-Relieving Medication
Over-the-counter pain relief medicines can help manage pain and reduce inflammation associated with a broken wrist. Follow the dosage as instructed and consult your specialist if you’re taking other medications.
Prescription medications may be provided in some cases for severe pain, but these are typically only needed in the first few days following the injury.
Exercise Joints Near the Wrist
While it’s crucial to rest your wrist, gentle movement in the nearby joints can prevent stiffness and maintain mobility. Begin by gently moving your shoulder, elbow, and fingers to avoid stiffness and maintain circulation in your arm.
Depending on the stage of your recovery, your hand doctor or therapist may advise specific exercises to support healing and flexibility. Avoid exercises that directly involve your wrist until cleared by a professional.
Keep Your Cast Dry
Keeping your cast dry is essential to prevent skin irritation and complications. If your cast gets wet, it can weaken and potentially lose its structural integrity, compromising its ability to support your wrist.
When showering, use waterproof covers or plastic bags secured with tape, and avoid submerging your cast in water. If you notice any dampness, discomfort, or an unusual smell, contact your hand doctor to have your cast checked.
Work With a Physical Therapist
Once your broken wrist has begun to heal, your hand doctor may direct you to a physical therapist to help restore your wrist’s strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Therapists can guide you through gentle exercises that promote healing without causing re-injury, monitor your progress, and make adjustments based on your rate of recovery.
Schedule Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure your broken wrist is healing correctly. During these visits, your hand specialist will track your progress, remove or adjust your cast as needed, and take X-rays to confirm proper bone alignment.
These appointments are critical checkpoints that help identify potential issues and make necessary tweaks to your treatment plan.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Nutrition plays a vital role in recovery. Eat a balanced diet containing vitamins and minerals that support bone health. Dairy products, leafy greens, lean meats, nuts, and whole grains are excellent choices for bone recovery. Eating well-balanced meals can also help boost your immune system, aiding your body in recovering faster.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is another key factor in recovery. Water supports all cellular functions, including the body’s natural healing processes. Dehydration can slow healing, reduce energy, and lead to complications.
Strive to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water daily and avoid high caffeine or sugary drinks, which can dehydrate your body. Proper hydration supports circulation, nutrient delivery, and overall body function, all essential for a smooth recovery.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Your hand doctor’s instructions are tailored to your specific injury and recovery needs. Whether it’s regarding medication, movement limitations, or cast care, following these guidelines closely is essential. If you have concerns about your recovery, contact your doctor for clarification.
Following medical advice precisely as given can prevent complications and ensure a smoother healing process.
Consult a Broken Wrist Specialist in Singapore
Recovering from a broken wrist takes patience, care, and consistency. The tips above can help ensure a smooth recovery. However, you may still have queries or issues that require the insights of an orthopaedic specialist.
At Spire Orthopaedic Centre, we have years of experience treating broken wrists and can provide personalised guidance tailored to your recovery needs. Whether you require additional treatments, advanced therapy, or advice on long-term wrist health, our specialists in Singapore can support your journey to a full recovery.