Increasing Discomfort Two Weeks Post Wrist Fracture
Hello! I am a 24-year-old female, measuring 169 cm tall and weighing 86 kg. My current medication is not applicable here, but I am a vaper and I have a history of mental health issues as well as PCOS. On January 29, I sustained a wrist fracture due to a slip at my workplace. Initially, my wrist was immobilized in a static cast from January 29 to February 9. During this period, I experienced significant pain levels ranging from 6 to 8 out of 10, although these bouts of discomfort were infrequent. Following my MRI on February 9, my cast was changed to a removable type. Since then, I have been dealing with a persistent, throbbing sensation in my wrist, which typically rates around 4 to 6 on the pain scale. Is this kind of pain normal during recovery? I have adhered to all medical guidance, yet I can't help but worry about how this may be perceived, especially since I have an open workers' compensation claim.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 11:20:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your wrist recovery after a fracture, especially with lingering pain. Two weeks after a cast change, some discomfort can be normal, but it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely.
Explanation
After a wrist fracture, it's common to experience pain and discomfort during the healing process. The body requires time to heal, and factors such as the type of fracture, individual pain tolerance, and rehabilitation steps can affect recovery. However, if the pain persists or worsens, it may indicate that the healing process isn't proceeding as expected, or there could be other issues at play.
Next Steps
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Pain Management: Continue managing your pain with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (if safe for you) to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
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Gentle Movement: Engage in gentle range-of-motion exercises, if advised by your healthcare provider. Moving your wrist slightly, while avoiding pain, can aid recovery.
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes. If you develop new symptoms such as swelling, bruising, or decreased mobility, take note of these changes.
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Rest and Elevation: Ensure you rest your wrist as much as possible and elevate it to help reduce swelling.
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Keep Records: Document any pain levels, types of activities that worsen symptoms, and any other relevant observations. This record will be useful if and when you need to discuss your recovery with a healthcare provider.
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Stay With Guidance: Adhere to any rehabilitation exercises your medical team recommends. If your pain level doesn’t decrease in the next week or starts to interfere significantly with daily activities, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for further advice.
It's great that you are following guidelines, and with proper care, your wrist should continue to heal. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to ask.
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