2890 YLH Accelerating your recovery after having an arm cast

If you have been wearing a cast on your arm, your hand and wrist will be quite stiff and the skin will be dry when the cast is removed. Whilst your movement and strength will improve during the months following removal, it will take time to get back to normal, and in the meantime you may feel some discomfort.  You can accelerate your recovery by doing these exercises. Each exercise should be done 10 to 15 times each time, at least three times a day. Rest your elbows on the table with your hands pointing upwards. Bend your wrist forwards, then backwards and finally move your hand from side to side. You may need to stabilise your forearm using your other hand during this exercise. Using your thumb, touch all of your fingertips, and then slide your thumb down each finger as far as possible. Stretch your thumb out and as far as back as possible, and then bend it across your palm. Make a fist and then stretch your fingers so they are out straight. Tuck your elbows into your sides and turn your palms up and down, keeping your elbows tucked in. Place your hands together like this, with your fingers pointing up. Keep your palms together and pull your hands down and your elbows up to increase the stretch on your wrist. Place your hands back to back with your fingers pointing forwards. Draw your hands in towards your stomach, keeping the backs of your hands together. Link your fingers and turn your hands inside out. Over time, you may want to increase the number of repetitions or hold small weights in your hands in order to help to strengthen your muscles. Remember, these exercises should be done 10 to 15 times each time, and at least three times a day. Exercises should be completed as any pain allows. The joint may be painful due to stiffness but if pain persists then please contact the Fracture Clinic for advice.  Lastly, there is some evidence that taking vitamin C after you have fractured your wrist can reduce long-term damage and pain.  We recommend a daily dose of 500 mg of vitamin C for 50 days. You can buy vitamin C from your chemist.