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Lump after fractured wrist

Posted , 4 users are following.

nic66821
nic66821

Hi,

I fractured my distal radius, not displaced. I had a cast on for four weeks which was removed on Wednesday. The doctor said that it didn't need another x ray, as "they find these fractures don't always heal, although it does not effect long term use on the wrist". I have been given a splint for next 4 weeks. There is still bruising and a lump on my wrist. Has anyone had similar experiences, as I don't know if I should have insisted on a xray

Thanks in advance

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Kgldsun
    Kgldsun nic66821

    Posted

    I had the same problem, but back in April. The fracture wasn’t found until June. After the three weeks of plaster, then the splint and exercises, I am still in pain to this day. 

    I have just decided to give in and give up complaining, although I find it hard. I have the lump, but no bruising.

    My Doctor told me it could take upto two years to heal 😥😡😥😡.

     

  • linda01827
    linda01827 nic66821

    Posted

    I think the bruising and lump are both fairly common; however, I'm surprised the doctor didn't take another x-ray after removing the cast.  Have you only had 1 x-ray since this happened?  I had x-rays almost every time I saw the Dr. after fracturing my distal radius in May.  Due to issues while the cast was on, I eventually saw another ortho doctor and had surgery to fix a fused thumb.  After a total of 12 weeks in casts and a few weeks of PT, my wrist still isn't 100% but definitely much improved.  

    Much to my surprise it takes a LONG time for a wrist to return to anything near normal (if it ever actually does.) After 7+ months my fingers are still fairly stiff, can't make a real fist, and sudden movements of that wrist are painful.  Both the doctors and therapists told me it would take at least a year so don't be discouraged after just 4 weeks.  You have quite a while to go in the recovery process.

    Having said all that, I'm still surprised the doctor didn't take additional x-rays of your wrist.  Has he/she mentioned any kind of therapy?  If you aren't comfortable with your progress and this doctor, find another one - an orthopedic HAND surgeon.   I did and it was definitely the best decision I made (even though the first doc I saw was also a hand surgeon.)  Follow your instincts and plan on needing a lot of patience.  

    Good luck to you and please keep us posted.

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