Wednesday, January 6, 2010

It's also called a boxer's fracture

Silliest advice ginen to me today? Eat some Bone Soup. Then you'll feel better. It's been about 2 1/2 weeks and still hurts. I found some answers for that online.

How is it treated?
If the broken bone is crooked your provider will straighten it. (yes, he put them back together.) Then a cast or splint will be placed from your hand to your forearm. (try extended past my pinky.) You will wear this cast or splint for 4 to 6 weeks. Some fractures need surgery (no thank you.)
Treatment will also include: Elevating your hand by placing it on a pillow when you sleep or the back of a couch when you are sitting down. Putting an ice bag over the cast or splint for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first 2 to 3 days.
Taking anti-inflammatory medicine or other medicine prescribed by your provider. (done.)

How long will the effects last?
Fifth metacarpal fractures usually heal within 6 weeks. (God I hope so.) Ask your healthcare provider when you will be able to return to your normal activities. Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. Return to your activities will be determined by how soon your hand recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury has occurred. The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your normal activities as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury. You may start rehabilitation exercises when your provider has taken a follow-up X-ray sees that your fracture has healed. You may return to your normal activities when your hand has full range of motion without pain and has the same strength as the uninjured side.

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous1/06/2010

    I feel for you. I have broken my arm 4 times. One time I popped the bone completely out of place. They were going to cut me open to fix it but a doc came in and said he could do it and knocked me out and popped it back in. I was in a cast up to my shoulder for 6 weeks and two my elbow for 2 more weeks. It sucks. Hang in there and take advantage of your slaves. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous1/06/2010

    ouchy : (

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous1/06/2010

    Nice job with the fractures. I can see why it would still hurt too.

    hand in there....hugs

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous1/06/2010

    Oh wow! That's so painful looking. I feel terrible for you and hope it heals quickly.

    ReplyDelete
  5. That looks really painful! Ice, lots of ice. Make sure you eating well too. Your body needs it to heal.

    Still here if you need anything!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Um, ow!! I wouldn't be eating bone soup, more like drinking something VERY strong!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have a crooked ring finger on my right hand because I broke it once when I was in college and uninsured and had no money.

    It is a conversation piece...

    ReplyDelete
  8. get well soon!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What the heck is bone soup? Anyway, it sounds very uncomfortable and I hope you heal soon. I agree with CJ (must be the cool name) - having a tall one while relaxing on the couch may help.

    ReplyDelete