hand stiffness after broken wrist

Hand Stiffness After Broken Wrist: Causes & Treatment

By Amanda Smith
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Have you recently experienced a broken wrist and are now dealing with hand stiffness? You're not alone. Hand stiffness is a common complaint after a wrist fracture, and it can significantly impact your daily life. In this article, we'll delve into the causes of hand stiffness after a broken wrist, explore symptoms, and discuss treatment options to help you regain your wrist's full range of motion and strength.

Understanding Hand Stiffness After a Broken Wrist

Hand stiffness can occur due to several reasons following a wrist fracture. These include:

  • Scar tissue formation: After a break, the body produces scar tissue to repair the damage. While this is a natural process, excessive scar tissue can lead to stiffness.
  • Immobilization: Prolonged use of a cast or splint can cause the muscles, tendons, and joints to become stiff and weak.
  • Pain: Persistent pain can lead to guarding, where you unconsciously limit your wrist's movement to avoid discomfort, resulting in stiffness.

Symptoms of Hand Stiffness After a Broken Wrist

Hand stiffness can manifest in various ways. Some common symptoms include:

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  • Difficulty making a fist or straightening your fingers
  • Pain or discomfort when moving your wrist or hand
  • Loss of grip strength
  • Swelling or tenderness around the wrist
  • Limited range of motion, such as reduced flexibility in bending or rotating your wrist

When to Seek Medical Attention

While some stiffness is normal after a broken wrist, it's essential to know when to seek medical help. Contact your healthcare provider if:

  • Your hand or wrist is increasingly painful or swollen
  • You notice any signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever
  • Your hand or wrist appears deformed or misaligned
  • You have difficulty moving your fingers or hand

Treatment Options for Hand Stiffness After a Broken Wrist

Several treatment options can help alleviate hand stiffness after a broken wrist. Your healthcare provider may recommend:

Hand Yoga for Stiff Wrists and Fingers, Hand Yoga, Stiff Finger Relief, Stiff Wrist Relief
Hand Yoga for Stiff Wrists and Fingers, Hand Yoga, Stiff Finger Relief, Stiff Wrist Relief
Hand Surgery Blog
Hand Surgery Blog
the instructions for how to do wrist exercises
the instructions for how to do wrist exercises
Treatment Option Description
Physical Therapy Exercises and stretches to improve wrist range of motion, strength, and flexibility
Medications Pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation
Steroid Injections Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
Splinting or Bracing Wearing a splint or brace to support the wrist and encourage proper healing
Surgery In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or repair damaged tendons

Your healthcare provider will determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs and the severity of your hand stiffness.

Preventing Hand Stiffness After a Broken Wrist

While some hand stiffness is inevitable after a broken wrist, there are steps you can take to minimize its impact:

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  • Move your wrist gently: As soon as your healthcare provider gives the go-ahead, begin moving your wrist gently to maintain its range of motion.
  • Perform hand and wrist exercises: Regular exercises can help strengthen your wrist and improve its flexibility.
  • Ice your wrist: Applying an ice pack to your wrist for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
  • Avoid repetitive motions: Be mindful of activities that may aggravate your wrist, such as typing or gripping objects.

In conclusion, hand stiffness is a common complication following a broken wrist. By understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment, you can effectively manage hand stiffness and regain the full use of your wrist. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.

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Modern Orthopaedics of NJ on Instagram: "Did you know ulnar-sided wrist pain is sometimes called the “low back pain of the wrist”? It’s often linked to a ligament called the TFCC, which helps keep your wrist stable and cushions movement. 💪🏼 Injuries to the TFCC are common but usually treatable with therapy, bracing, or injections. And if pain sticks around, surgery can help many people get back to their activities. 🩺 If you’re dealing with pain on the outer side of your wrist, Dr. Peter DeNoble and the Modern Orthopaedics team can help check it out. 💡 (@peterdenoblemd) #NJOrthopedics #NorthJerseyDoctor #NJSportsMedicine #OrthopedicCareNJ #TennesiasMethod #DrPeterDeNoble #DrDavidRatliff #DrAlejandroMoralesRestrepo #DrJamesLeeJr" Did You Know, Stables, Low Back Pain, Wrist Pain, Back Pain
Modern Orthopaedics of NJ on Instagram: "Did you know ulnar-sided wrist pain is sometimes called the “low back pain of the wrist”? It’s often linked to a ligament called the TFCC, which helps keep your wrist stable and cushions movement. 💪🏼 Injuries to the TFCC are common but usually treatable with therapy, bracing, or injections. And if pain sticks around, surgery can help many people get back to their activities. 🩺 If you’re dealing with pain on the outer side of your wrist, Dr. Peter DeNoble and the Modern Orthopaedics team can help check it out. 💡 (@peterdenoblemd) #NJOrthopedics #NorthJerseyDoctor #NJSportsMedicine #OrthopedicCareNJ #TennesiasMethod #DrPeterDeNoble #DrDavidRatliff #DrAlejandroMoralesRestrepo #DrJamesLeeJr" Did You Know, Stables, Low Back Pain, Wrist Pain, Back Pain
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