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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Fractured Metacarpal, Had Cast. Cannot Flex Hand Much, Swelling In Wrist, Pain. Reason?

I recently fractured my fifth metacarpal due to a fall in an outstretched hand. I spent four weeks in a cast. The cast was removed four days ago and I have significant swelling in my wrist with a constant ache. When I try to flex my hand upward I can only flex it so far back and it hurts to do so. Could there be something else wrong or is this just caused from wearing the cast?
Mon, 24 Jun 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Before removing the cast, the doctor will examine your limb. He or she may want to take an X-ray of the limb in the cast and check things like your pain level.If everything seems OK, the doctor will remove the cast with a saw.Once the limb is out of the cast, the doctor will examine it again, checking for pain and seeing if you have a good range of motion. If you still have some pain or difficulty with motion, the doctor may give you a splint to wear until the limb heals more. Your doc might even decide that you'll need a different cast or one that is shorter than the one you have now.But sometimes even due to malunion or nonunion you may get swelling and pain so make sure you take one more x-ray.Even though you have to minimize your physical activities untill some weeks and start only gentle movements.Thank you.
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Fractured Metacarpal, Had Cast. Cannot Flex Hand Much, Swelling In Wrist, Pain. Reason?

Before removing the cast, the doctor will examine your limb. He or she may want to take an X-ray of the limb in the cast and check things like your pain level.If everything seems OK, the doctor will remove the cast with a saw.Once the limb is out of the cast, the doctor will examine it again, checking for pain and seeing if you have a good range of motion. If you still have some pain or difficulty with motion, the doctor may give you a splint to wear until the limb heals more. Your doc might even decide that you ll need a different cast or one that is shorter than the one you have now.But sometimes even due to malunion or nonunion you may get swelling and pain so make sure you take one more x-ray.Even though you have to minimize your physical activities untill some weeks and start only gentle movements.Thank you.