Cork Emergency, Physiotherapy and Orthopaedic Departments
Background
You will be in back-slab or cast for 4 - 6 weeks.
To maximise your recovery and help prevent complications, please note the following advice..........
Keep moving
Raise your hand above your head, make a full fist and straighten fingers as shown in photos:
- Make a circular motion with your thumb
- Try and touch your thumb to all your fingers
- Remember at rest (e.g. watching TV) try and keep your hand above heart level as much as possible
Keep Using
- When dressing put your injured arm into sleeve first
- when undressing take injured arm out last
- Try not to ignore your injured hand; using the hand will prevent muscle weakness
Stop smoking
- Smoking delays bone healing and can increse the risk of infection.
Control your pain
- It is important to manage your pain to allow you to exercise and sleep.
- You can get advice on pain control from your doctor or pharmacist.
Maintain a healthy diet
- Increase your intake of Vitamin C in your diet e.g. eat 5 pieces of fruit or veg a day
- Recommended dose—500mg daily
If the following occurs...
- Pain increases
- Fingers swell-up
- You can’t do your exercises
- The cast feels too tight
- Persistent pins & needles
- You can’t use your hand in light activities
Please contact the hospital where your cast was applied.
Print Version
| If you are concerned, please contact the Emergency Department you first attended: | MUH (021) 4271971 | M-UCC at SMHC (St. Mary’s Health Campus) (021) 4926900 | CUH (021) 4922000 | LIU Mallow General Hospital (022) 58506 | Bantry General Hospital (027) 52900 |