Fao Sqad

[maggiebee]

Broke a bone in my lower arm yesterday. Came home with a cast and told to take paracetamol. Very uncomfortable but I can cope with that. My question is - is it normal for fingers to be swollen? Cast is from below my elbow to the back of my hand. Thanks.

[Buenchico]

When I broke my wrist (many years ago), the hospital didn't initially see the break on the X-ray (although they did a fortnight later) and only strapped my wrist very tightly on the assumption that it was a strain. The following day I asked my GP whether my fingers should be swelling, as they most definitely were. He made some very disparaging remarks about the A&E staff, asking "Didn't they think to give you a sling? Your wrist needs to be kept elevated!"

So I'm wondering if you're in a similar position, where the hospital has failed to provide you with the sling that you need? (NB: If so, note that it needs to be an elevation sling, not an arm sling. i.e. the one on the left of the picture here: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C9h9RfkXUAArUHC.jpg )

Whether I'm right or not though, I hope that you're fully fit soon!

[calmck]

Swelling normal hand should not be cold. Elevate on pillow when sitting or in bed. Get a sling

[maggiebee]

I asked the doctor about a sling but was told they don't use them nowadays as they give you a stiff elbow!

[Sqad]

it is not unusual for some degree of swelling after a cast is applied. Monitor the situation overnight and if the swelling continues as does your discomfort, then go back to A&E as the plaster may be too tight.
No big deal at the moment.

[maggiebee]

Thanks folks, never had a broken bone before.

[Patsy33]

Hope it gets sorted soon Maggie and you get some relief.

[fbg40]

Maggie
My wife broke her wrist last November and like you had swollen fingers. Went back to the fracture clinic the next day and thet said all was ok. Hope this helps.
FBG40

[maggiebee]

Thanks FBG40, that's reassuring

[jennyjoan]

the young lad neighbour's son broke his arm about 4 years ago and had quite a heavy cast on it - like that was sent home without a sling. He was complaining quite a lot that it was painful and the cast was heavy. I lent my sling to him and he said he couldn't believe how helpful it was, sorta took the weight off.