Cast Too Tight

[Mac98]

Hi everyone,

I fractured my hand on monday night (What we call "Boxer's fracture") and just got a cast put on this morning. However, for the last, I'd say, 6 or 7 hours, the cast feels extremely tight. It's like my hand is being squeezed.

My fingers aren't turning blue or anything (although they are a bit darker) and they aren't cold but my palm is pulsating, feels really hot and like it's being crushed.

It's my first time wearing a cast, so my question is: Is this normal? Are casts supposed to be so uncomfortable? I've been told to put ice on the cast to cool it and reduce swelling and I'll call the hospital first thing tomorrow morning but i still want to know (cuz sometimes, doctor's don't care much)

Thank you

 

[coastal-boy]

Elevate it. Ice helps alot. Wiggle your fingers to keep them flexible. Yes...it does feel tight if it swells, which is common for the first day or so. It can hurt because of the swelling. I wouldn't worry too much unless it starts to feel "firery" sharp pain or if things go really numb (not just a minor tingle). If you can't move the fingers...you have issues...if you can move them...generally you don't.

Seriously...elevate, elevate, elevate...this HAS to be in the release papers they gave you and is the best thing you can do. You will start to feel comfort within hours if you simply go to bed, elevate it above your heart with several pillows and cover it with ice packs.

 

[TypicalDeviant]

The cast could be too tight OR your hand could be swelling. Take some OTC anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen) and see how it is in the morning.

 

[akatrex]

Swelling of Course!

RICE

Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Ibuprofen will help reduce the inflammation / swelling

 

[Mac98]

Thanks guys.

I've been trying to keep it elevated as much as possible but it's not easy going to bed with an arm pointing up. Furthermore it's hard to put ice on it cuz the way the cast is made, there's not much way to place it (but i'll try). I've been taking advil liquigels for pain but i'm not sure if that's considered ibuprofen or not.

I can wiggle my index and middle finger no problem but the other two are taped together an, especially my pinky, are pretty much covered by the cast.

I'll see how it is tomorrow morning. If it's still too tight, I'll go back to the hospital... cuz i dont think its normal for me to feel my heart beat in the palm of my hand.

 

[Noor]

Thanks guys.

I've been trying to keep it elevated as much as possible but it's not easy going to bed with an arm pointing up. Furthermore it's hard to put ice on it cuz the way the cast is made, there's not much way to place it (but i'll try). I've been taking advil liquigels for pain but i'm not sure if that's considered ibuprofen or not.

I can wiggle my index and middle finger no problem but the other two are taped together an, especially my pinky, are pretty much covered by the cast.

I'll see how it is tomorrow morning. If it's still too tight, I'll go back to the hospital... cuz i dont think its normal for me to feel my heart beat in the palm of my hand.

Your palm is pulsing? That sounds like you are swelling and the cast is too tight. I had that problem with my leg and they switched to a body armour boot.

 

[Mac98]

They told me it was normal that there be swelling the first day and to call back if it isn't better by tomorrow. It's a little better today, but it's still damn uncomfortable.

 

[coastal-boy]

Thanks guys.

I've been trying to keep it elevated as much as possible but it's not easy going to bed with an arm pointing up. Furthermore it's hard to put ice on it cuz the way the cast is made, there's not much way to place it (but i'll try). I've been taking advil liquigels for pain but i'm not sure if that's considered ibuprofen or not.

.

All it has to do is rest on a pillow higher than the rest of your body (especially the heart). You can put ice in baggies and lay one bag on the pillow, cover it with a paper towel, place the cast on the ice, then place another paper towel and bag of ice on top. Cover the whole deal with a normal bath towel and you are good to go for a couple hours.

 

[Luna_Bella]

Advil liquigel is ibuprofen, so you are taking the right thing to help with the swelling/inflammation.

Out of curiosity how did you break it, did you hit someone/thing?

Hope you feel better soon

 

[Mac98]

Advil liquigel is ibuprofen, so you are taking the right thing to help with the swelling/inflammation.

Out of curiosity how did you break it, did you hit someone/thing?

Hope you feel better soon

I hit my closet door. The door won. And although it's not really feeling better, at least I know it's normal for it to be uncomfortable. Plus, it might be coming off on the 29th (if the bone heals)... I've been keeping my arm up, rested and been taking as much Calcium as possible.

Thanks for asking