Scaphoid fractures, the most commonly fractured wrist bone, often cause swelling, pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist. The scaphoid bone sits between the base of the thumb and the end of the radius. Scaphoid fractures typically result when the scaphoid bone becomes "pinched" between the thumb and the radius, as occurs when you fall with your hand and arm outstretched. Start exercising your wrist upon cast removal to speed your recovery rate.
Finger Exercises
The cast or brace for a scaphoid fracture typically allows you to mover your fingers, while preventing movement of the thumb and wrist. Finger exercises help you maintain the strength and flexibility in your fingers. Bend and straighten your fingers 10 to 15 times three times a day to maintain finger flexibility. Squeeze a soft ball or some putty to strengthen your fingers. Continue strengthening your fingers by placing a rubber band around the fingers you can move and spread them as wide as possible, then bring them back together. Repeat this motion 10 to 15 times at least twice a day. Once the doctor removes your cast or brace, perform these exercises with your thumb, as well as your fingers.
Wrist Stretching
Stiffness and weakness of the wrist often occur when the doctor removes the cast. Gradually increase the flexibility and strength of your wrist by moving your wrist through its range of motion at least once a day for 10 to 15 minutes. Practice bending your wrist up, down, back and forth. Move your wrist as far as possible without causing pain. As your range of motion improves, use your uninjured hand to increase each stretch by applying light pressure in the direction of the stretch. Rotate your wrist to turn your palm up and then back down to stretch the muscles of the forearm.
Wrist Strengthening
Strengthening exercises for the wrist require the use of resistance in the form of exercise bands or light weights. Start by sitting next to a flat surface with your forearm resting on the surface, hand and wrist over the edge to allow free movement. Hold a weight or exercise band in your injured hand with your palm facing down and lower it slowly to flex your wrist. Raise it back up as far as possible and repeat up to 10 times. For wrist extensions, perform the same exercise with your palm facing up. Strengthening exercises for the muscles responsible for rotating the wrist require you to keep your hand, wrist and forearm supported throughout this exercise. Start with a weight or hammer flat on the desk, hand grasping the end. Slowly rotate your palm up as far as possible without pain and then lower the weight or hammer back to the table.
Precautions
Do not start exercising your wrist until you have permission from your doctor or physical therapist. Expect to feel slight discomfort, but not pain, while exercising your wrist. If you experience pain during any exercise, lighten the intensity by lessening the weight or shortening the stretch. It may take between eight and 24 weeks for your injury to fully heal. Do not perform any heavy lifting and avoid excessive strain on the wrist during this time.
References
- Heath Brown; Physical Therapist; Rehabilitation Today; Bradford, Pennsylvania
- UW Medicine Hand Center: Post-Operative Care for Scaphoid Fractures and Non-Unions
- UW Health; Scaphoid (Navicular) Fractures of the Hand and Wrist; October 2008
