Regaining the use of your hand after a fracture

Why the hand feels stiff after a cast

A wrist or hand fracture needs to be held still to heal, often in a cast or splint. While it is held still, the joints stiffen and the muscles weaken.

So when the cast comes off, the wrist and hand often feel stiff, weak and swollen, and everyday tasks feel awkward. This is common and understandable.

With the right guided work, movement and grip usually return over time, though it takes patience.

It helps to be patient during this stage, since the hand recovers gradually rather than all at once. Steady, guided work usually brings back more than trying to force it early.

How a physiotherapist helps

A physiotherapist assesses how the wrist, hand and fingers move once the doctor is happy for movement to begin.

Early work gently restores movement in the stiff joints, and helps settle swelling. Grip and strength are then built gradually, along with the fine movements the hand needs for daily tasks.

Everyday goals guide the plan, such as holding a cup, turning a key, doing up buttons, or gripping firmly again.

Getting back to daily tasks

The hand is needed for almost everything, so recovery focuses on real tasks. We work toward the things you need to do, at home and at work.

Using the hand gently within comfort helps it recover, while pushing into sharp pain is avoided early on.

A physiotherapist guides how much to do, so the hand builds up steadily without being overloaded before it is ready.

Warning signs to check

Some signs need a doctor rather than exercise. Increasing pain, numbness, tingling, or fingers that turn pale, cold or dusky need prompt review.

Marked swelling that will not settle, a hand that becomes very tight, or pain out of proportion to the injury should also be checked without delay.

We watch for these signs and help you get the right care when they appear.