numbness following distal radius fracture
Posted , 5 users are following.
Almost 6 month since I fractured left distal radius. Casted for 7 weeks and bone has healed. I posted (commented on existing thread) Did some PT but backed off because of carpel tunnel type pain. Since then I've been able to do many things mechanical things.
I can almost make a tight fist but the strength is only about 40%. Pain is sporadic and not significant. The one thing that bothers me the most is pins and needles in thumb and middle two fingers. This occurs on waking up from a night's sleep. Hand is stiff until massaging and using.
At suggestion of PT, I wear a flexible wrist support. I also wear when doing "stuff" (household repairs, lifting things).
Is the numbness (pins/needles) something to worry about. (Ironically, I also get a little of the same in my right hand and it's never been injured.
Is there any coorelation of pins/needles with the other hand? Might it been related to other factors, general health? Of note, I also see some swelling of ankles. Over 8 months (extending before fall till present), I've lost 65 lbs (down from 325). I feel good and have much more energy, my BP is good and other health is fine except after affects of arm.
The only pain, per se in my hand is if I press my palm down to raise up from floor / chair, etc. Instead, I use my knuckles instead of palm. I've pretty much resigned myself that I won't get the strength and full mobility back for a long time (years?). I don't work but do many physical things around the house requiring my left hand. I just continue to do these things and live with it. I'm assuming my age (73) is a factor in healing time
Again, the numbness P&N concerns me the most and wonder if this is common with other's experiences?
0 likes, 3 replies
susan_68902 jim28062
Posted
There’s a rare condition called complex regional pain syndrome. CRPS. Symptoms are: inflammation , burning, pins & needles etc. It can occur after a fracture & the opposite limb can be affected. That’s called Sympathetic CRPS. I had your same fracture & 7 1/2 months, still in constant pain. It’s a nerve damage issue. Google it, it really opened my eyes after seeing three specialists with no results. I’m hoping mine isn’t this, I hope the same for you. But I do think it’s worth asking your Doctor about it. Hope this helps.
vanessa2018 jim28062
Posted
I firstly noticed that the sensation in my thumb, and first two fingers and palm was really weird. I can only describe this as it means like touching coarse sandpaper whenever I wiped my hands on a towel and touched by other materials. This sensation has now diminished to the point that it feels like fine sandpaper!
On top of this I am experiencing a weird feeling either side of my wrist and at the base of my thumb. It feels like numbness inside my wrist but I can still feel things on the skin surface. My wrist is still swollen from the accident and my orthopaedic doctor thinks that it’s the swelling pressing on the median nerve causing this symptom but I am still worried and anxious about this.
I have had two sessions of physio - apparently my range of movement is quite good but I can’t see it myself! I described my symptoms to my physio who said that I will not do any more harm to my wrist by continuing the exercises. I would suggest that you try and carry on exercising gently just to keep everything moving. My fingers and wrist are very stiff on the morning and it takes me a while to get things moveing. I can make a loose fist but finding that my swollen fingers are hampering things. My grip strength has improved slightly and I am squeezing a stress ball throughout the day to try and improve this. I am not in any significant pain but have little aches every now and again. I am finding that my fingers hurt more!
I have been told that everyone heals at a different rate so I have taken comfort in the fact that I am still healing and hope that things improve!
I’m not sure why you are experiencing pins and needles in your other hand but please go and see your doctor if you are concerned.
Best wishes.
devsmom jim28062
Posted
Hi Jim, Have you been tested for diabetes? I understand that diabetes can cause pins and needles in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy). I broke a bone in my foot and my orthopedic said that age is a factor in healing time. Actually he said I wasn't 20 anymore. haha. I'm 71. Be careful pushing yourself up from the floor or a chair with your palm or your knuckles. I've injured my wrist doing that. I've practiced being able to get up without the push but I was told not to let my knees stick out over my feet because it puts to much pressure on the knee joint. So, I've gained thigh strength. I guess that's a good thing.