Removing Pins After a Broken Thumb: What to Expect
I am a 20-year-old male who fractured my thumb on February 13. Afterward, I underwent surgery, which involved inserting pins, and subsequently, I received a cast. Two weeks later, I’m set to have both the cast and pins removed. This will mark six weeks after my surgery and eight weeks since the injury occurred. At this stage, I can comfortably lift 10 pounds without any significant pain, apart from some discomfort caused by the pins. Although they aren’t the most comfortable, I’m pleased to be engaging in physical activity again for the first time since the injury. As a college lacrosse player who trains daily, I’m keen to know how long it usually takes to get back to lighter workouts after having the pins taken out.
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 8:30:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great to hear you’re on the path to recovery and able to lift weights again! Here’s what you can expect following the removal of the pins from your thumb and how to navigate your return to lighter workouts.
Main Points:
- Pins Removal Experience: The procedure is typically straightforward, but you may feel some temporary discomfort.
- Recovery Timeline: After pin removal, it generally takes a few weeks to regain full strength and range of motion in your thumb.
- Returning to Activity: Gradual reintroduction to workouts is key to preventing re-injury.
Explanation:
When your pins are removed, you might experience some pain or discomfort, but it should be manageable. Generally, this discomfort fades quickly. After the removal, your doctor or therapist may recommend physical therapy exercises to help restore motion and strength.
In terms of recovery, most people find they can resume light workouts about 1-3 weeks post-pin removal. Your thumb’s strength will continue to improve over time, and this process should be balanced with patience and gradual progression.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Comfort: Pay attention to how your thumb feels after the pin removal. Mild discomfort is normal, but sharp pain should be reported.
- Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: Start with simple stretching and mobility exercises as soon as you’re cleared to avoid stiffness.
- Gradual Return to Activities: Begin with light, less intense exercises that don’t strain your thumb, like biking or body-weight exercises, and gradually build up.
- Incorporate Thumb-Specific Strengthening Exercises: Once it feels comfortable, add exercises designed to strengthen your thumb gradually.
Prioritize listening to your body—if anything feels off, reduce intensity or modify your workouts before progressing. Keep up the great work with your recovery, and best of luck with your lacrosse training!
Related Questions
Is an 85-pound Weight Healthy for a Woman Who is 5’1"?
A friend of mine stands at 5 feet 1 inch tall and has a delicate frame, tipping the scales at 85 pounds. At first glance, her weight seemed surprisingly low, but I realized she doesn’t appear overly thin. Naturally, I became a bit worried as I believed her weight might be below the healthy range; however, she insists that she feels perfectly fine. She maintains an active lifestyle, exercising regularly and following a nutritious diet, yet she doesn't overindulge. This leaves me pondering whether her health is indeed in check.
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.