Care of your arm and hand while in a wrist cast Whakangungu mō tō ringa ina kei tētahi tākai ukutea
Your wrist has been put in a cast to stop it from moving. This is so your bones can heal properly in a good position.
About your cast
People usually need to have their cast on for 6 weeks.
Because of your injury, your arm might swell or become stiff and weak.
You will be able to begin using your arm normally once your cast is taken off. But it may be up to 3 months before you can return to heavy activity or sports.
Contact the place you had your cast put on, or your healthcare provider, as soon as possible if:
- your pain or swelling gets worse or
- you lose feeling or movement in your fingers or thumb.
Things you can do with your arm in a cast
You can do some light activities with your arm in a cast, such as:
- eating
- writing
- typing
- dressing yourself
- using your phone
- folding laundry.
You can shower with your cast on, but you need to keep it dry. Avoid getting the cast wet by wrapping your arm in a towel and a well-sealed plastic bag whenever you are in contact with water. You may be able to buy a waterproof cast cover from a pharmacy or online.
Do not:
- grip strongly or lift heavy things with the arm that is in a cast
- stick objects down inside your cast.
Swelling
Swelling is common after a fracture. You can help reduce the swelling by raising your arm.
To do this, when you are sitting or lying down, rest your hand on multiple pillows so that your arm is above the level of your heart.
Moving your fingers also helps to reduce swelling.
Slings
A sling is not usually needed for wrist or hand fractures. If you have been given a sling, use it as little as possible. This will stop your shoulder and elbow from getting stiff. You need to take the sling off regularly to do your exercises. You should take the sling off when sleeping.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy may be recommended after your fracture has healed and your cast is off.
A physiotherapist can help with exercises and advice to develop your hand, wrist and arm strength so you can return to your normal activities, work or physical activity.
You should see an ACC private practice physiotherapist or hand therapist. You may need to make a co-payment for these sessions.
Exercises
The following exercises are important. They will prevent stiffness in your elbow and shoulder and help with swelling. Do them 4 times a day.
Shoulder
- Lift your whole arm above your head.
- Hold your arm up for 2 seconds, then lower it slowly.
- Repeat this 10 times.
Shoulder
- Lift your whole arm above your head.
- Hold your arm up for 2 seconds, then lower it slowly.
- Repeat this 10 times.
Elbow
- Fully bend then straighten out your elbow.
- Repeat this 10 times.
Elbow
- Fully bend then straighten out your elbow.
- Repeat this 10 times.
Fingers
- Bend your fingers as far as your cast will let you.
- Straighten your fingers completely.
- Spread your fingers as wide as your cast will let you.
- Repeat this 10 times.
Fingers
- Bend your fingers as far as your cast will let you.
- Straighten your fingers completely.
- Spread your fingers as wide as your cast will let you.
- Repeat this 10 times.
Thumb
- Rotate your thumb in all directions, as far as your cast will let you.
- Repeat this 10 times.
Thumb
- Rotate your thumb in all directions, as far as your cast will let you.
- Repeat this 10 times.