Fracture Colles Wrist Exercise-After
Fracture Colles Wrist Exercise-After
Fracture Colles Wrist Exercise-After
If you require further information about your Colles fracture, speak to your consultant, GP or physiotherapist. Produced by: Outpatient Adult Physiotherapy Department Loughborough Hospital Hospital Way (off Epinal Way) Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 5JY
This leaet is for patients who have had their plaster removed. The purpose of this leaet is to support the advice given by your physiotherapist/consultant.
If you would like this information in another language or format, please contact the Patient Information Ofcer on 0116 295 0903 Visit our website: www.lcrchs.nhs.uk
Leicestershire County and Rutland Community Health Services is responsible for providing NHS services in the Leicestershire and Rutland area and is part of Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust Date implemented: Sept 2010 Review date: Sept 2012 Leaet No. 81 - Edition 1
A break in your radius bone close to your wrist. Usually caused by falling onto an outstretched hand.
Ulna
Radius
How is it treated?
Plaster of Paris: your wrist may need to be manipulated into the correct position rst. You will usually be in plaster for approximately 4-6 weeks. Surgery: the ends of the bone are held in place with pins and plates.
Whilst the After removal of the plaster plaster is on... Your wrist will feel vulnerable once
It is important to keep your shoulder, elbow, and ngers moving. out of plaster because it hasnt been moved for a long time. It is normal to feel like this. Things that need addressing after removal of the plaster are: swelling, pain, strength and stiffness.
Wrist and ngers straight. Make a st keeping your nger tips straight. Repeat 10 times
What should I expect when my plaster is taken off, and what can I do?
Pain or discomfort It is normal to get some pain after your fracture. If you have been given pain killers you should take them as prescribed, this will allow you to do your exercises and use your hand more. Always check instructions or ask your pharmacist or GP about over the counter pain killers. However, if your pain is severe or continuous you should contact your GP. Swelling Swelling can reduce your ability to use your hand and inhibit movement. Remove any rings and avoid wearing a tight watch. Try the following to minimise swelling: Keep your hand elevated (above the level of the heart). Rest your hand on the opposite shoulder whenever you are not using it. Pump your hand regularly throughout the day (ideally every hour). Raise and lower your arm whilst clenching and relaxing the st several times. At night rest your hand on some pillows so that it lies above your heart. Stiffness It is important to try and get as much movement as possible in your hand and wrist after the fracture has healed. Exercising and using your hand will help to reduce stiffness. Heat (i.e. hot water bottle/warm water) can be useful, but do not do this if your wrist is swollen. Strength You will have reduced strength in your hand and wrist because it hasnt been used while in the plaster. When the plaster is removed, only use your hand for light activities. You should gradually increase how much you use your hand/wrist and be guided by your pain. Dont carry any heavy pots/pans, kettle as you are at risk of dropping them.
Make a st. Repeat 10 times (Alternatively try holding onto a sponge and squeezing as much as possible).
Exercises - These exercises are designed to improve movement and function in your hand and wrist; they should be carried out four or ve times a day. Please note: Exercise, like medication, requires a specic dose; not enough will be of no benet , too much may do harm. Only exercise to a comfortable level. Mild discomfort during exercise is acceptable and is normal as long as it settles throughout the day.
Forearm supported on a table with your hand over the edge, palm facing down. Let your hand down, gently assist the movement with your other hand. Hold for 5 seconds. Relax. Repeat 10 times
Support your forearm on a table as shown. Bend your wrist up and down. Repeat 10 times
Clasp your hands together. Bend your wrist up and down. Repeat 10 times
Hold ngers and wrist straight. Bend your wrist rst towards the little nger and then towards the thumb. Repeat 10 times
Clasp your hands together. Alternately turn palms up and down keeping elbows still. Repeat 10 times Sit or stand. Forearms horizontally in front of you and palms together. Push palms together for 5 seconds. Relax. Repeat 10 times
Alternately turn palm up and down keeping the elbow still. Repeat 10 times