My hand, fingers and thumb are all very swollen. I am taking 800mg Ibuprofen for this (doesn't seem to be working). I am wearing a Futoro sling (not too tight). My physical therapy starts next week. are there any excercises for my hand that I can start now? Can't bend my thumb and forefinger because it hurts, should I try bending it with the other hand? How long will it take to be able to use my hand again? I thought getting the cast off would be the end of my troubles.
2006-07-20 06:01:46 · 8 answers · asked by momoffive 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
First , make sure to keep trying to move your fingers and wrist and use your other hand to help. Keep moving your hand and wrist to help lower swelling and regain movement.
Soak your hand in warm water for 10-15 minutes and move your fingers in the water.
Exercises:
Take a washcloth or small towel, grasp with both hands and imitate movement of wringing water out in both directions.
Use putty, clay or playdough - squeeze it in your hand.
Use your other hand to help move each of your fingerss and flexing/extending, rotating wrist.
Feel better!
2006-07-20 06:12:42 · answer #1 · answered by Ahava 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
exercise the hand by squeezing a rubber ball, Also putting it in cold water to get the swelling down. It is going to hurt for a while. Do not try bending it with the other hand that could cause more damage and take longer for the hand to heal. Everything will be stiff for a while. Good luck, been there done that.
2006-07-20 06:06:45 · answer #2 · answered by redhotboxsoxfan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the Motrin isn't working, ask your doctor about trying some Naprosyn. Similiar medication, but it works better for some folks to get rid of inflammation. Couple of things. Get a rubberband, loose enough to go around your fingers and provide a tiny bit of tension. Loop it around your fingers and try to stretch the band with your finger tips. You can also loop it around one finger at the time and push each finger into the loop, while you hold it taught. It is a simple exercise.
Do not force any movements from your hand or fingers. Gentle stretcher or "pushing" with your fingers and hand will be the best benefit. It took weeks to heal your wrist, and it will take a few weeks to get the movement back to your arm and hand.
Try using a warmed cloth to your arm before you try to exercise, if there are no open wounds to worry about. Try grasping a tennis ball as best you can...it is good practice for tired muscles.
Give it time...you will get movement back:)
2006-07-20 17:22:00 · answer #3 · answered by erlifesaver 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I broke a finger and when I removed the splint I was surprized how stiff my finger was from being immobilized for so long. The physical therapy will help and gradually using your hand, fingers and thumb again will get it back to normal. It won't happen overnight but you'll get there.
2006-07-20 07:17:58 · answer #4 · answered by Goldenrain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the sporting goods store and get a pinkie, small pink rubber ball and start squeezing it. Carry it everywhere with you and squeeze, squeeze, and squeeze some more! This will improve mobility and strength!
2006-07-20 06:06:51 · answer #5 · answered by GRUMPY1LUVS2EAT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
soak fingers in warm water 3times a day and gradually start bending them they will eventually start moving again. exercise with a spongy ball too while its in the warm water try to squeeze it.Also get some putty and try to squeeze it.
2006-07-22 05:55:39 · answer #6 · answered by lizardlover42000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a tennis ball and begin to gently squeeze it. When you get in the bathtub (warm water) will help get the stiffness out.
2006-07-22 03:51:00 · answer #7 · answered by college@44 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just start slowly moving your fingers everyday when your therapy starts everything will be just fine.
GOOD LUCK AND WELL BEING
2006-07-20 06:05:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋