Just broke right wrist/forearm, need advice on how I can recover and lift again?

Question

I broke my right wrist and forearm about a week ago playing football. It is a double fracture, had to go through surgery and the doctor gave me a full arm cast to wear for 2-3 months. Before the break, I lifted constantly and was making big improvements. Now, once i get my cast off, I know my right arm will be extremely weak and ill have a long ways to go before i can get back to my former self. I guess I have a few questions. 1. Should I just lift my left arm for the moment with light weights and catch up with my right arm later? 2. If i was maxing 215 before how much do you think my max would fall after 3 months and how long it would take to get the 215 back? 3. What is the best way to build up the muscles in my right hand to start lifting again?

Answer 1

Why don't you ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist where you can discuss this issue and find out what you need to do to get back to your former self.

Answer 2

I've broken both bones and had surgery to put a plate in. So I know that the recovery process can take a while.

For starters, after you get your arm out of the cast (it will be very weak) be extremely careful about how much weight you put on/lift with your right arm. I was told by my doctor to wait six month before putting my full weight on my arm (and I don't weigh a lot).

But after those six months, you still need to be really careful. Start with very light weights, like only 3 pounds or so and slowly work your way back up to lifting heavier wieghts.

It will take a while (how long exactly, I can't say - I'm not an athlete) because both bones were broken and your doctor had to cut the muscle in your arm.

Answer 3

hi there

I am in a similar situation, i broke my wrist 6 weeks ago had an op and k-wires put in coming out in 3 weeks i am still in plaster, i dont lift weights but im right handed and it is my right wrist so i am concerned.

When my plaster was changed last week i was asked to straighten my wrist out, to my horror i didn't even have the strength to lift my own hand! That is when it dawned on me that this would be a lengthy process and a lot of physio.

My advice to you is dont rush it the last thing you want to do is cause more damage, you will probably be bored so lifting with your left arm will keep you occupied and you can focus on the right at a later date, bare this in mind... my right arm is now noticeably thinner than my left and i have lifted no weights.

I havn't got to removing my cast yet to tell you how soon it will happen but 3 months is what i have heard for ful mobility. I have brought a powerball I will attach a link for you, they are great for tennis players and other athletes for building strength in the hand, wrist, forearm, bicep and tricep, they are also used by people with carpal tunnel syndrome and broken bone recovery, very easy to use and great results, i have been using it on my left for now and it is working a treat and can see how it will aid the right when my plaster finally comes off.

I hope that has helped you here is the link i promised..
http://www.powerballs.com/

get well soon

Answer 4

Since you'll be in a cast for so long, you should be getting physical therapy to regain muscle and flexibility to that joint once it's out of the cast.

I'd continue to work your other arm with light weights to keep it in shape, but lifting heavy will make it uneven. A broken joint that is THAT broken will take a long time to heal fully - sometimes a year or more. Just because the cast is off doesn't mean that the bones have fused fully. Your orthopaedist would be the best person to ask about when you can fully load bear on that joint.

Answer 5

Give the shoulder complete rest for the first 24 to 48 hours. After that time, gently put your arm through a full range of motion several times a day. Complete immobilization of the arm may result in stiffness and loss of motion in the shoulder (frozen shoulder). Thus, maintenance of the shoulder's range of motion is an important part of the treatment. Wait three to six weeks before returning to the activity that caused the problem, depending on the problem's severity. Returning too soon will increase the probability of reinjury. After the initial rest period, exercises should be started to gradually strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. At first the exercise need consist only of putting the arm through a full range of motion. Acetaminophen, two tablets every three to four hours, may be taken as needed. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen may help decrease inflammation. Call a doctor if the condition persists beyond three weeks. And good luck.