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Distal radius ulna orif
I got a distal radius and ulna orif ! Currently in my 7th week post surgery. My complaint is that my hand is still aggressively swelled. Iam doing regular physio, cold and hot compresses, fingers and scar mobility every thing but swelling seems to be stubborn. Iam also still having dull ache whole day and hand feels like hard rock on rotation. The xray current shows callus formation and looks good but when will this swelling, stiffness and pain go? By when do u start feeling normal ?
Answers (2)
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Dr. Krishna Reddy Nallamilli
Orthopedist
12 yrs exp
Kakinada
At 7 weeks after distal radius and ulna ORIF, some swelling, stiffness and aching are still common, especially after complex fractures. Recovery usually continues over 3–6 months, while complete improvement in strength and motion may take 6–12 months. Since your X-ray shows satisfactory alignment and callus formation, that is reassuring. Continue supervised physiotherapy, edema control, scar mobilization, elevation, and active finger, wrist and forearm exercises. However, if the swelling is severe, the hand feels unusually hard, or the pain is disproportionate, you should be evaluated for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
Next Steps
Follow up with your treating orthopaedic surgeon for a clinical examination. Continue physiotherapy and edema management. If symptoms are worsening or not improving over the next few weeks, further evaluation is recommended.
Health Tips
Keep the hand elevated whenever possible, continue frequent finger movements, avoid prolonged dependency of the hand, and perform only the exercises advised by your therapist. If you notice increasing redness, warmth, fever, wound discharge, severe worsening pain, or marked limitation of finger movements, seek immediate medical attention.
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Harshavardhan Chandane
Orthopedic Surgeon
21 yrs exp
Thane
Avoid aggressive physio if severe pain is still present. Also avoid hot compresses. Use only cold ones. Keep the affected hand elevated. Use a sling for that. Don’t leave it hanging as much as possible. Keep it on the chest while sleeping or arrange a pillow by the sides to keep it vertical. Sweelling will go down in few weeks
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.