Fractures and Radial Nerve Injury: My Recovery Journey
On February 19th, during my commute to work, I had a slip on the icy pavement which led to a serious fall. This unfortunate incident left me with fractures in both the distal radius and distal humerus. I underwent surgery two days later wherein a metal plate was implanted to facilitate healing. Just a week ago, I had my cast removed. Following the injury, I noticed considerable numbness in my thumb and index finger; thankfully, this sensation has been improving progressively. I've began to regain feeling in these fingers. My physician assured me that while the radial nerve is not completely torn, it has sustained some damage. At this point, I am dealing with wrist drop. There have been slight movements of my thumb, but I still find it impossible to move my wrist in either direction. Interestingly, my doctor hasn't considered an EMG necessary and has scheduled a follow-up appointment in 15 days. He recommended starting physical therapy after a 20-day waiting period. Currently, I’m able to extend my elbow to a range of 170 degrees. This is considered normal for only a week post-cast removal, according to my doctor, although he cautioned me to avoid overexertion. A bit about me: I am 38 years old, male, standing at 1.72 meters tall, and weighing 80 kilograms. I smoke but have no notable medical history or current medications. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has been through a similar experience regarding radial nerve injuries. I’m curious about the duration of recovery and whether full recovery is a common outcome or if incomplete healing occurs in some cases. I’d love to hear your stories and insights.
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 6:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're looking for insights about your recovery from a radial nerve injury following your fractures. Recovering from this type of injury can indeed be challenging, and your concerns about the potential outcomes are valid.
Key Points:
- Radial Nerve Injury Recovery: The severity of the injury and how well you adhere to rehabilitation can influence recovery time and outcomes.
- Movement and Rehabilitation: Gradual recovery of function is common, and starting physical therapy will be crucial.
- Long-Term Outcomes: Many individuals can achieve significant recovery, but some may experience lingering symptoms.
Explanation:
The radial nerve controls movement and sensation in parts of your arm and hand. Damage to this nerve can lead to symptoms like wrist drop (inability to lift the wrist). Recovery varies based on the extent of the injury; many people experience gradual improvement in feeling and movement over weeks to months. Some individuals recover fully, while others may continue to have mild symptoms. Factors that can influence recovery include age, the extent of nerve damage, and how soon therapy begins.
Next Steps:
- Engage in Physical Therapy: As your doctor recommended starting physical therapy after 20 days, make it a priority as it will help restore movement and strength in your wrist and hand.
- Practice Gentle Exercises: Keep your elbow moving but avoid overexertion. Focus on small, gentle movements to encourage blood flow and mobility in your wrist when your therapist advises it.
- Monitor Symptoms: Take note of any changes in sensation or movement. If numbness or weakness persists or worsens, discuss it with your doctor.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Consider reducing smoking, as it can impact healing and blood circulation. A healthy diet and hydration will support your recovery as well.
- Be Patient: Recovery can take time. Many instances of radial nerve injuries show improvement over 3 to 6 months, but consistent therapy and care will improve outcomes.
Stay hopeful, as many individuals find significant recovery with time and appropriate care. If you have other questions or need more support, feel free to seek advice.
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