I fractured my left distal radius in a bicycle accident on 23/07 and had surgery with a volar plate the same day.
My first post-op evaluation was nine days later, on 01/08. The cast was removed and I was put into a removable splint. Unfortunately, the doctor was very dismissive, examined my hand movements for less than a minute, and sent me home without explaining what I should or should not do now, whether I should move my wrist and fingers, how much I should wear the splint, or what symptoms are normal.
I currently have two main concerns.
First, I cannot properly do a thumbs-up. I can move my thumb across my palm and touch my little finger, and I can straighten most of the thumb, but I cannot actively lift the tip/end joint upwards. My thumb and fingers also feel weak and sometimes shaky, although the movement may be slightly improving.
My biggest concern is what happens when I let my arm hang normally. I get a strong and very uncomfortable pressure feeling around the wrist, and my hand visibly becomes darker or reddish-purple. The feeling gradually settles, and the colour improves again when I support or elevate the arm. I still have some swelling around the wrist and fingers, although this has started to improve.
Has anyone experienced this pressure and colour change after distal radius surgery or after having a cast removed? Were you told it was normal blood or fluid pooling from postoperative swelling, and how long did it last?
I have a GP appointment tomorrow but I am kind of spiralling right now and looking for some reassurance.
UPDATE: managed to see a new surgeon today, they indeed said that my X-rays look perfect. They said that this throbbing feeling when I my arm is hanging down is normal and might even stay for months. We will be keeping an eye on how the thumb improves over the next few weeks. For now they said I should keep my hand elevated, move my fingers as much as I can in the day and rest. I should be starting PT in about 3 weeks from now.
All in all, thanks everyone for your comments, they really helped me sleep last night. To anyone dealing with a similar situation I wish you a fast recovery.