Why is the hand thinner after removing the plaster? How can this difference be corrected?
A month and a half ago I broke my arm, specifically the shaft of the radial bone. After removing the plaster, this hand is much less efficient than the other, and the forearm is visibly thinner. What should I do to quickly restore my hands to fitness and muscle mass? ~ lynx
The choice of treatment for a radius fracture depends on the location and course of the fracture fissure. Damage to the radial bone within the diaphysis is a serious injury and is generally accompanied by instability in the forearm; usually it is subject to surgery. Conservative management is used only in cases of non-displaced fractures, however, they usually require immobilization for more than 6 weeks. I infer from this that the described damage concerned another part of the radius. The radius is most often fractured in the distal epiphysis. In this place, when immobilization is used, fusion usually takes place within 4-6 weeks, and the biggest problem is maintaining the correct positioning of the fragments during healing. Without a detailed examination, I am not able to determine whether the trauma actually occurred in the distal epiphysis, and even if so, it is difficult for me to determine if the author of the letter is free from complications of the injury. The most common of them are post-traumatic bone deformity, bone union disorders, paresis of peripheral nerves or dysfunction of vascular control in the form of the so-called Sudecka syndrome. The presence of such complications would make it necessary to change the treatment procedure and reduce the chance of regaining full limb efficiency. The reduction in circumference mentioned in the letter and limb dysfunction may be a side effect of immobilization. After removal of the plaster cast, painful limitation of joint mobility, bruising of the skin, a tendency to recurrent swelling and muscle atrophy are generally observed. If we exclude the aforementioned complications of healing, excessive sparing of the limb, unnecessary bandaging or keeping the limb in a sling should be avoided. After removing the plaster, you should return to daily activities that also involve the injured limb. An excellent limb exercise, for example, is hand washing in warm soapy water. The tendency to swelling and pain in the joints can be combated by frequent exercises of clenching the fists and straightening the fingers, restoring the mobility of the wrist or simple physical procedures, such as a whirlpool massage or alternately immersing the limb in cold and warm water.
Functional disturbances resulting from long-term immobilization of the limb generally resolve within a few weeks of removal of the cast. If, despite the passage of time and the involvement of the limb in everyday activities, symptoms do not disappear – contact the orthopedist.
The advice of medTvoiLokons experts is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and his doctor.
The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.
Orthopedist – make an appointment