If you’ve recently suffered a wrist injury and had to have a wrist in a cast, you’re likely wondering about the best ways to care for your injury and speed up your recovery. Understanding how to manage your cast, what to expect during your recovery, and how to safely look after your wrist can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively you heal.
At One Orthopaedics, we provide expert guidance for patients in Guildford and Surrey, offering a comprehensive range of treatments for wrist injuries. In this blog, we’ll discuss essential tips, common challenges, and what you can do to ensure your wrist cast recovery is as smooth as possible.
Why Do You Need a Cast for a Wrist Injury?
Why Is a Cast Necessary for a Wrist Injury?
When you suffer a wrist injury, such as a wrist fracture, it’s essential to immobilise the area to allow the bone to heal properly. A cast serves this purpose by keeping the injured bones stable and preventing movement that could exacerbate the injury or delay healing.
Wrist fractures and breaks are common injuries that require a cast. Whether you’ve broken your radius, scaphoid, or sustained a ligament injury, a cast is typically the best option to support the healing process. It prevents movement, reduces pain, and ensures the bones and tissues have the best chance of healing correctly.
In addition, using a cast helps to protect the injury from external factors, like bumps or accidental movements, that could cause further damage. If you’ve been advised to wear a wrist in a cast, it’s vital to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to ensure a complete recovery.
What to Expect While Your Wrist Is in a Cast
What Happens While Your Wrist Is in a Cast?
While your wrist in a cast is healing, several changes will occur. You may notice that the wrist becomes stiff, your mobility is limited, and the cast itself may feel uncomfortable at times. Here’s what you can expect during this healing phase:
How Long Will My Wrist Be in a Cast?
The duration of time you’ll need to wear a cast depends on the severity of the injury. For most wrist fractures, you may need to wear the cast for 4 to 6 weeks. However, the exact recovery time varies based on the type of injury and your body’s healing response. Always follow your orthopaedic specialist’s advice for the most accurate timeline.
Will I Experience Pain While My Wrist Is in a Cast?
Some discomfort is normal during the initial period after the injury, but a properly fitted cast should not cause severe pain. If you’re experiencing increasing pain, numbness, or swelling, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider. In some cases, pain can be a sign that the cast is too tight or that complications are developing.
How Will My Wrist Look and Feel After the Cast Is Removed?
Once the cast is removed, you may notice that your wrist feels stiff and weak. This is common because the muscles and joints have been immobilised for an extended period. Wrist fracture recovery time can vary, but with the right physiotherapy and exercises, you’ll gradually regain strength and flexibility.
Essential Tips for Taking Care of Your Wrist in a Cast
How to Take Care of Your Wrist in a Cast: Expert Tips
Proper care of your wrist in a cast is essential to avoid complications and ensure the best possible healing. Here are some wrist cast care tips that every patient should follow:
1. Keep the Cast Dry and Clean
Moisture can damage the cast and hinder the healing process. Always keep your cast dry, especially when showering or bathing. If you don’t have a waterproof cast, use a plastic bag or specially designed cast cover to protect it from water.
2. Avoid Placing Pressure on the Cast
It can be tempting to lean on or use your cast wrist for support, but this can cause the cast to crack or shift, leading to complications. Avoid placing unnecessary weight or pressure on the cast to protect the integrity of the healing process.
3. Manage Itching Inside the Cast
Itching is a common issue for many people with a wrist in a cast, but it’s essential to avoid inserting objects like pens or coat hangers to scratch the area. This can cause skin damage or introduce bacteria into the cast. Instead, use a hairdryer on a cool setting to gently blow air into the cast to alleviate itching.
4. Avoid Foreign Objects Inside the Cast
Never insert sharp objects or anything else inside the cast to try to relieve itching or discomfort. Doing so could injure your skin or compromise the fit of the cast, leading to further complications.
5. Watch for Signs of Complications
While a cast is designed to protect your injury, it’s essential to monitor for signs of potential complications. If you notice excessive swelling, numbness, increased pain, oozing, fevers associated with these symptoms, or changes in skin colour around the cast, seek medical attention immediately.
Recovery Steps After Your Cast Is Removed
What to Expect After Your Wrist Cast Is Removed
Once your cast is removed, the healing process doesn’t end. There will be a period of wrist fracture recovery time where your wrist will need rehabilitation to regain full strength and mobility.
How Long Does It Take to Regain Full Mobility?
After the cast comes off, it’s common to experience stiffness and reduced range of motion. Full mobility can take several weeks to months, depending on the injury’s severity and your rehabilitation efforts.
Do You Need Physiotherapy After Cast Removal?
In many cases, physiotherapy services in Guildford and Surrey are recommended to help you regain full function of your wrist. Physiotherapy can focus on restoring movement, strengthening muscles, and improving flexibility. Wrist injury treatment in Guildford often includes a combination of physiotherapy, exercises, and manual therapy to speed up recovery.
Wrist Injury Treatment Options in Guildford and Surrey
At One Orthopaedics, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options for wrist injuries. Whether you’ve suffered a simple wrist fracture or a more complex injury, we’re here to help you through every stage of recovery.
Multiligament Treatment
For more severe injuries that involve ligaments, we offer multiligament treatment. This approach is ideal for patients who have sustained complex wrist injuries that require more than just a cast.
Brace Treatment
For less severe injuries or as part of post-surgical recovery, brace treatment may be recommended. This helps support your wrist while still allowing you to move it gently, which can aid in the rehabilitation process.
Plaster Cast Treatment
If you’re dealing with a wrist fracture, plaster cast treatment is a non-surgical option that may be used to immobilise the wrist during healing. We ensure proper monitoring and adjustment to keep the cast effective throughout your recovery. At One Orthopaedics, we treat a variety of hand and wrist conditions, including fractures of the radius and scaphoid, Dupuytren’s Disease, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Our specialists offer tailored treatment plans to address these and other issues, ensuring effective recovery. For more details on these conditions and the treatments we offer, visit our Hand & Wrist Conditions page.
Need Help with a Wrist Injury? Book an Appointment in Guildford or Surrey
Experiencing wrist pain or managing life with a cast? Get personalised care from experienced specialists in Guildford and Surrey. Our team at One Orthopaedics offers guidance on proper cast care, injury treatment, and post-cast recovery. Book your appointment online today to start your journey toward a full recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrist Casts
How long do you have to wear a cast for a broken wrist?
The duration of cast wear depends on the severity of the fracture. Most wrist fractures require 4 to 6 weeks in a cast.
Can I exercise or play sports with a wrist cast?
Avoid any activities that could cause further injury to your wrist. Light activities such as walking or leg exercises are generally fine, but consult your doctor before engaging in any activity.
What if my wrist hurts inside the cast?
While mild discomfort is common, severe pain, numbness, or increased swelling should be addressed immediately by your healthcare provider.
Can I get my cast wet?
No, unless it’s specifically a waterproof cast. In such cases, use a cast cover to protect it during showers or baths.
What should I do if my cast becomes loose?
If your cast becomes loose, contact your healthcare provider for an adjustment or replacement.
Do I need physiotherapy after my cast is removed?
Yes, in many cases, physiotherapy is necessary to help you regain strength and mobility in your wrist.
Where can I get wrist injury treatment in Guildford and Surrey?
At One Orthopaedics, we offer comprehensive care for wrist injuries, including wrist cast care tips for Guildford residents and ongoing rehabilitation.
