i got off my cast today after suffering a broken thumb i have very limited motion in my thumb is this normal?

Question

i can only move it in very small circles, will my muscles ever come back to normal strength?

how long do you think it will take to regain full motion and strength by doing little motions and small exercises everyday?

Answer 1

Yes, you will. It's just your joints and mucled are used to not being moved around. The saying goes "If you don't use it, you lose it" which can be applied to many things.

Answer 2

Motion in your thumb may be limited until it is fully healed. Motion period is a good sign and I wouldn't worry about it. Just stick to your regular routine of exercises, this way, blood will flow to that area, and it won't be stiff from not moving it. You should regain use of your thumb in 2-3 months, maybe a little less. But in the meantime, when you go to sleep, be sure not to allow your hand to hang off the bed, or below your chest cause it hurts like hell when your hand falls asleep while your thumb is healing.

Answer 3

Since your thumb was stuck in a cast for such a long time of course its kind of rusty as we speak. But if you want to regain mobility in your thumb squeeze a squishy ball over and over. This strengthens the muscles of the wrist and makes the muscles more flexiblbe. Exercise your thumb by doing simple movements with it. Don't force it to make full movements, it might hurt. In a few days of continuous exercise, I guess your thumb should regain mobility.

Answer 4

Yes its normal. your thumb was restricted during its casting call (so to speak). So unless your doctor said you will not have full use.., you need to exercise it slowly at first - just a minute or two a day for a few days then work up your exercise. Before long, maybe a two to four weeks it should be okay.

Answer 5

6-12 weeks, you need physical therapy, if you cannot afford it or the dr won't prescribe it you have to do it yourself or you won't ever get motion back. Get one of those stress balls and grip it. With 1 hand, push your thumb downwards towards your palm, then back the other way. Massage it alot to promote good circulation. Make a fist and put your thumb inside it. you also want to make alot of movements like when your thumb hits the keyboard space bar, do kneading motions too like you were kneading bread.

Answer 6

If you just got your cast off, I have to assume it has been on for 6-8 weeks. With the immobility of the cast for that period of time, it is going to take some time for it to return. Unless you have specific exercise instructions from your orthopedist, regular motion will probably return on its own with normal use of your hand.

Answer 7

exercise the muscle it will be like new in no time. I have had many different broken bones all over and that is the best medicine after the bone has healed

Answer 8

Iit probably feels weird because it has been in a straight postion for a while excersise it daily, and if it's painful go to a orthopedist or your doctor for a check-up and maybe other x-ray to double-check on your recovery

Answer 9

I had that problem when I broke a bone in my wrist. I couldn't pick up a cup of coffee by the rim (instead of the handle). for a couple of weeks . It just had to learn how to work again. Don't worry until you give it time.

Answer 10

Yes, this is normal the longer that any joint in your body is held in on place or not moved the loger short term movement loss you will have. the joint starts to freeze over time kinda like the saying dont use it you will lose it.