Hi.
I had a bad accident ~5.5 weeks ago. I broke my thumb’s metacarpal on my right hand, initially they believed it was a bennett fracture, but luckily wasn’t displaced, so didn’t require any surgical action- and on my left I hand broke and displaced my scaphoid, and the distal end of my radius in a few places. Around 4 weeks go, I had a procedure done where a titanium compression screw inserted into my scaphoid, carpal tunnel surgery to avoid complications with the nerve that runs through my palm and near the scaphoid, and a bone graft and two temporary pins in my distal radius. My right hand had a splint, which came off today.
I’m the captain of my schools running teams, year round since my HS sophomore year- cross-country, indoor track, track, and I was on track (no pun intended) to a division 1 running scholarship. I went into the ER knowing I had broken my left wrist and right thumb, but at least I had a sense of relief that I would be able to run with the casts on- at least it wouldn’t effect my main focus and way of keeping calm/getting away during the school year. But that changed when I realized I needed surgery- I’ve been instructed absolutely no, zero physical activity, which is killing me. I get why I’m instructed not to run: If I fall, and break it worse, I could be losing dexterity or feeling in arguably the most useful body part- But, I can’t think of any reason why a core exercise, or a stationary bike ride could injure me, other than the risk of infection from sweat. Is it a real concern?
I really want to be able to save this year of running, it’s a huge deal to me, and missing the first half of the year is going to make it nearly impossible to achieve my goals this year, and if I don’t do it this year, it’s not going to get done. Can I maintain shape (not running, not racing, just stationary biking and core) until I have the pins removed from my arm without worry of infection?
Thanks.
An upset distance runner.
Hi
I have gone through your history in details… and concerning your question about continuing to be active and do so light exercises the answer is ..it is ok to keep in shape and healthy doing some stationary biking,and core or even walking,the only thing to take care of is not putting any pressure over your hands while exercise they should be free and not used as a support,no weights apply, and avoid hard movements or sudden movements and movements that may cause falling ….
Regards
hi
i understand your feelings as i myself have ben a sprinter in my school days.
if the injuries and surgery were on upper lims, then i see no reason for you to be refrained from doing safer exercises. its been almost 4 weeks now and the bones and wounds may have well been healed uptill now. you can get a xray to confirm if everything is ok and start on the safer exercises definitely. Infection from sweat is absolutely not an issue.
thanks. wish you a healthy life and speedy recovery
HI
ITS BETTER TO WAIT TILL THE PINS ARE REMOVED TO BE ON SAFER SIDE. OVER ENTHUSIASTIC ACTIVITIES CAN LEAD TO UNWANTED COMPLICATIONS AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED. GO AS PER YOUR DOCTORS ADVICE