Wrist very stiff 3months after surgery
Posted , 21 users are following.
Hi,
Wanted to please hear from others who have had a distal radius fracture and surgery with a plate inserted.
Three months ago i fell and shattered my wrist.
Had surgery on the 8/7/2016 and 2 weeks later cast came off and about 10 days later started therapy.
However, my therapist told me that my hand isn't good..can hardly bend my wrist up or down or twist it. It's very stiff. My fingers still hurt but I can make a fist now.
What I noticed also 3 weeks ago is that my elbow is becoming stiff again ..not to mention my shoulder..also limited movement. I told my therapist and when he touches the area around my shoulder it's is so painful.
Has anyone experienced this also?
How much therapy did you do also at home for those that had stiffness and now their hand is relatively ok?
Has anyone gone to an orthopedic doctor for a second advice following their surgery (besides the surgeon who performed the surgery)?
Thanks
3 likes, 82 replies
vicky87059 collie12
Posted
Hi, I know exactly how you feel. I can sympathise totally. I am now 21 weeks post orif with screws and plate for distal radius fracture. I too am unable to supinate/probate and have very limited flexibility/extension. I have physio weekly and hand OT (occupational therapy) weekly. In between I do physio at least 3 times daily. Nothing is working and I have pain down ulna (pinky finger) side when I try to do some of the excercises with bone crunching and popping (crepitus). X-ray shows plate in an anatomically good position. I still have swelling and hand colour changes and the ortho consultant has said I have developed CRPS. However, I do have pain but not the excruciating burning pain that comes from full blown CRPS. The physio says I have CRPS symptoms but not full blown - I believe this may be as I am already on meds for back problems -gabapentin - and this may have masked the pain. Physio also says I could have TFCC tear/damage but this has not been confirmed. My original ortho has referred me to another hospital to see a hand and wrist specialist for further advise which I am thankful for. I'm in the uk so all health needs are paid for. I'm a bit scared the new consultant may say I require further surgery as this could start full blown CRPS off and I would have to go back into a cast (above elbow this time) for 6 plus weeks. This injury is really awful to have and I pray for the day I can wash my own hair and get in/out of a lovely relaxing bath. Also unable to return to work as can't drive or perform my duties and will be on half pay very soon. It gets me down and depresses me so much as I've always been so independent. If I were you I would go for a second opinion and MRI to see if you may have TFCC injury which is fairly common after distal radius fracture. Let us know how you get on - Vicky
vicky87059
Posted
Sorry should have also pointed out that my elbow and shoulder are also very stiff and I am having to have physio on those too. I thought originally this was due to the fall on outstretched arm but also think it might be a secondary problem of the wrist as the elbow and should is all interlinked. Cannot dry my hair with a hair dryer as I can't hold the drier up long enough or turn my wrist. We sound very similar in injuries.
collie12 vicky87059
Posted
Did you go to a specialist for your elbow and shoulder? My surgeon told me to go see one. I also think it's related to the wrist.
She also thinks I have a mild case of CRPS.
My whole hand is sore now...so annoying!!!
vicky87059 collie12
Posted
No I didn't. Just the physio who is working on it separately. I do have previous elbow damage though many years ago I broke my elbow as a child and lost the use of my arm/hand for over a year but have had no problems with it before I fell in may. Consultant reckons my previous elbow problems may be the reason I was more susceptible to the CRPS. Who knows? Just want to be "normal" again and get back to work. Not sure whether that will ever be possible again?? -
louise32796 vicky87059
Posted
Is it wrong that I am getting so much comfort from hearing of your problems? It is just such a relief to hear I am not alone. Broke wrist 8 weeks ago and had metal plate/screws inserted next day. Got infection in wound which put me back a bit but still have terrible pain in wrist and thumb. Can't supinate/pronate and despite doing all my physio, just not seeing any progress. Unable to drive or work . Can't carry out simply everyday tasks and can see no end to it. Can't feed myself or wash myself properly. Skin on wound feel over sensitive and. A not bear even soft fabric against it. Specialist just looks at me as if I'm stupid when I try to explain how painful it is. Am becoming so depressed and tearful and am now beginning to have suicidal thoughts.
gmorey louise32796
Posted
Apart from the infection, at eight weeks everything you said souds very familiar! It's 8:30 AM and a few days fom 5 months and I can't make a fist. Last night I was holding a complete fist for 20 minutes at a time yet this morning it's a no go! Very frusrating! People lack empathy until it happens to them, I understand and empathize completely. Hang in there it will get better!
jamie09940 collie12
Posted
Hi. I too broke my wrist, June 19. Had surgery, plate on June 23. After many months of therapy I finally got a second opinion. I still can't make a wrist and have very limited range of motion. I went to a hand doctor. Had an EMG showed nerve damage as well. Well I will be having the hardware out, tendon release and tendons at wrist cleaned I can't wait o get back to normal!!! My suggestion, go to see a specialist.
jamie09940
Posted
gaylene22352 collie12
Posted
Collie I broke mine July 19 I have a screw no plate. I'm still in therapy my last week I still have pain also and even in my arm and when I go to remove my tops my shoulder also is sore I go back next Monday to dr in going to ask
keelondon collie12
Posted
Hi Collie12,
?I had a distal radius fracture to my right arm 10 weeks ago. I had to have surgery 04/08/16 to insert 2 k-wires. I'm 6 weeks out of plaster and removal of wires.
?On cast removal, the consultant was concerned with the lack of movement in my hand so refered me to physio the following week where I am attending weekly sessions.
?My progress is very slow. My wrist is very stiff and I'm struggling with flexing my wrist back and forth. I can manage the palm up/down but it's not completely there. For example I couldn't put my right hand out to accept money in a shop as I'd drop it. My PT doesn't seem concerned as he says I've got to be patient.
?Back in Sept, despite me telling my consultant and my PT that I'm experiencing pain in my shoulder (both saying it was infammed tissue), last week I went to my GP who suspects I have a rotator cuff tear which happened when I initially fell. I am now awaiting an ultra-sound to confirm this, which could take up to 6 weeks. I'm SO upset as the pain in my shouder is hindering me doing my strengthening exerises for my wrist and I feel this is a massive set back which has delayed my progress.
*massive sigh*
?I feel like I'm banging my head on a brick wall trying to get anyone to listen to me. Following my consultant appointment after my cast was taken off, he discharged me into the care of my Physio and said 'any problems visit my GP'. I've asked the physio to refer me back to my consultant but he says he can't.
?I'm hoping that I will be refered to orthopaedics again once I've had my scan. This way I can get my shoulder sorted and move on as I feel this is making things much worse. For example: I can't sleep on my right side. I can't put my right hand on my right shoulder. I can't put my right hand behind my back to touch the bottom of my spine. All these movements cause bad pain in my shoulder.
?Have you been to the doctor about your shoulder? My PT said to me that it's common to get frozen shoulder due to the lack of movement with the whole arm during time in cast. I'm definately not settling for that with me as the pain's so bad.
?I know I haven't helped you but I certainly know what your going through and sympathise immensely xxx
keelondon collie12
Posted
Hi Collie12,
​I had a distal radius fracture to my right arm 10 weeks ago.? I had to have surgery 04/08/16 to insert 2 k-wires. I'm 6 weeks out of plaster and removal of wires.?
​On cast removal, the consultant was concerned?with the lack of movement in my hand so refered me to physio the following week where I?am?attending weekly sessions.?
​My progress is very slow.? My wrist is very stiff and I'm struggling with flexing my wrist back and forth.? I can manage the palm up/down but it's not completely there.? For example I couldn't put my right hand out to accept?money in a shop as I'd drop it.? My PT?doesn't seem?concerned as he says I've got to be patient.
​Back in Sept, despite me telling my consultant and my PT that I'm experiencing pain in my shoulder (both saying it was infammed tissue), last week I went to my GP who suspects I have a rotator cuff tear which happened when I initially fell.? I am now awaiting an ultra-sound to confirm this, which could take up to 6 weeks.? I'm?SO upset as the pain in my shouder is hindering me doing my strengthening exerises for my wrist and I feel this is a massive set back which has delayed my progress.?
*massive sigh*
​I feel like I'm banging my head on a brick wall trying to get anyone to listen to me. Following my consultant appointment after my cast was taken off, he discharged me into the care of my Physio and said 'any problems visit my GP'.? I've asked the physio to refer me back to my consultant but he says he can't.?
​I'm hoping that I will be refered to orthopaedics again once I've had my scan.? This way I can get my shoulder sorted and move on as I feel this is making things much worse.?For example:?I can't sleep on my right side.? I can't put my right hand on my right shoulder.? I can't put my right hand behind my back to touch the bottom of my spine.? All these movements cause bad pain in my shoulder.
​Have you been to the doctor about your shoulder?? My PT said to me that it's common to get frozen shoulder due to the lack of movement with the whole arm during time in cast.? I'm definately not settling for that with me as the pain's so bad.
​I?know I haven't?helped you but I certainly know what your going through and sympathise immensely xxx
?
collie12 keelondon
Posted
Hi,
Thanks for your response. I am really frustrated with both of my hands. I broke my left dominant hand. I also can't bend my wrist or rotate it as it should be 4 months post op.
With my shoulder...i need to be careful as to how i move it as it can be very painful and when i put my hand behind my back it doesn't even reach the lower spine. I am waiting also for an ultrasound as like you I won't settle for what my surgeon said. I also have an appointment to see a shoulder specialist and in the meantime i got a refferal to start shoulder therapy.
When i fell i fell face down on both hands. My right hand is sore. The wrist hurts, the thumb is sore and i get throbbing pains and my fingers are sore and feel stiff esp. after i grip something or wake up. It is soooooooooo frustrating.
Finally, my surgeon agreed to send me to do C.T and I am hoping they actually find something coz i am sore and it's not getting better.
Sometimes both arms feel kind of cold and stiff/sore..hard to explain it. Does anyone feel that way?
Also, my surgeon thinks i have very early stages of CRPS.
Don't know..some symptoms i do have but not sure I agree with her.
keelondon collie12
Posted
I've got CRPS.. my right wrist area is covered in long dark hair and is extra sensitive. It's definately hindering my progress but at the moment I'm more concerned about my shoulder. There isn't a cure apparently... it will go in time or you live with it. I've got some great tips from others experiences. I've just bought B12 which is supposed to help.
?How did you get an appointment with the shoulder specialist? I've heard others on here have been refered to a hand specialist too... I don't seem to be getting anywhere... flip... I want to swear!!!!
vicky87059 keelondon
Posted
Swear all you want we can't hear!!! Haha
Anyway, i too have CRPS and elbow shoulder stiffness after distal radius fracture with orif to place screws and plate. I cannot put my arm behind my back, lift my arm above my head and have terrible spasm Like pains in my "clavicle" area and tri/biceps. I also cannot supinate/pronate hand. I have been told by the OT and physio that as I can't supinate that's why I can get my hand behind my back. I can't even do an hand on hip I'm fed up pose!! Grrr I had my second opinion with hand and wrist specialist Thursday and I am now waiting for CT scan with contrast and see her again in 6 weeks when we should have the results and see where we go from here. I am 22 weeks post op nearly onto half pay as I can't work, drive etc and unfortunately, these consultants don't see any urgency in it all.... why can't they do these things quicker? I don't want to be like this at Christmas. Had the crappiest year ever and want to enjoy it with my family. Like this it's impossible :-(
collie12 keelondon
Posted
My surgeon gave me a referral to a shoulder specialist. I also have some hair on my hand
Never had that before the fall but i take it off with cream as i can't stand it.
Is your hand a different colour to your other hand? I can't believe that breaking your hand can really change your life. I don't think anyone can understand how it feels unless they have experienced it. It can really get you down.
vicky87059 collie12
Posted
Yes, I have a hairy hand. It's shiny and looks like crocodile skin. It's a totally different colour most of the time to my other hand. It's hotter/colder than my other hand, super sensitive and swells a lot. In fact it never goes back to "normal". I wear a slightly compressed glove at night for the swelling given to me by the OT. And I still sleep with it elevated! The pain is bearable at the moment although I am on gabapentin, but always feels like it could "pop" due to the swelling. A wedding ring is a thing of the past!! So fed up and depressed with it all. So much so I have talking therapies now to try and get through this nightmare!!
keelondon vicky87059
Posted
Vicky.... I really don't need to say anything... you're saying it all for me!!
Spot on!! Ditto!!
connormack collie12
Posted
louise32796 vicky87059
Posted
yours, very hopefully........!
vicky87059 louise32796
Posted
Hiya. Wish I could say I’ve made a miraculous recovery but I can’t. I had plates and screws removed in June hoping this might help in the movement. Unfortunately not. Not more movement for me and probably this is it. Hate it and worry so much about the future, how i will manage when I’m older etc etc. Stops me doing so much. I have invested in an automatic car which helps. Had physio ( hand and wrist specialist) up until August then they told me they couldn’t do anymore for me. All Have given up. Seeing ortho end of Nov but suspect they will come up with the same. CRPS better than it was so suppose that’s a plus! Still on meds’ for it though and 2 stone heavier 😩. Hope things are better for you
louise32796 vicky87059
Posted
Thank you for responding. Am so sorry to hear this Vicky. I think I knew what your answer would say before I read it. Have now just read through your other posts and I could have written them myself! I take it you broke your left wrist (because of automatic car) are you left handed? I broke my right; which is my dominant hand. Am very slowly adjusting ways of doing stuff like opening tins but am struggling to do so much. Have you returned to work? I am now in my fifties and have been working as a part time carer in a nursing home for past couple of years after retiring from the forces.There is no way I can carry out my duties unless things drastically change. My husband has been brilliant but am worried how long he can 'put up' with having to do so much (and my depressive/tearful moods).
vicky87059 louise32796
Posted
Fortunately, if you can call it that I’m right hand dominant and it’s my left wrist I broke! I too am in the medical field - district nursing sister 😳 fell down stairs rushing to get a doctor to sign a prescription for a patient. Simple as that and life changing. I’m back at work BUT at present not doing clinical as I am unable to do resus competently as a flat hand is a thing of the past. Management and office work based things but not a permanent post. So who knows. I could be another one on the scrap heap! I’m also in my 50’s and could retire at 55 but still have 18 months til then and it’s not what I want to do ... 😢 some days are better than others but I miss my old life. How long has it been for you since you broke your wrist ?