Working out with a broken wrist?

Gimsteinn

I broke my wrist.. that sucks.. and now I've been out of commission for a few days and I'm getting cranky, emotional and I feel every muscle in my body demanding being used.

So, would it be save for me to hit the gym and workout if I don't use my broken hand? what about cardio? Bad idea?

I'm sure my pole fitness days are done until I've recovered but I so badly need to do something.. I'm going crazy

MsAmandaNJ

I don't see why not as long as you don't put any weight on it at all. The increased blood flow will likely help the healing process.

Gimsteinn

MsAmandaNJ wrote: »

I don't see why not as long as you don't put any weight on it at all. The increased blood flow will likely help the healing process.

You're my new favorite person of today

deluxmary2000

Of course - anything that doesn't hurt your wrist should be completely safe. Get out there and do something - it should definitely help with the crankiness

tiny_clanger

You might want to consider slinging it in an elevated position
ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files%5C10920Psling.pdf

as it will be painful if you are casted and the increased blood flow to extremities causes swelling. By slinging elevated it will reduce blood pooling and swelling and encourage other gym users to be mindful of you.

StealthHealth

There are several gym machines that allow strength work without using hands/wrists.

Off the top of my head:

• Pec deck (chest)
• abductor/adductor (legs)
• Roman chair (glues/back)
• Leg press & most calf raise machines (legs)
• Leg extensions and curls
• Some gyms have bicep curl stations which have pads for the forearms (rather than gripping with the hands)

Cardio as treadmill, bike, or elliptical (no arms) would be OK?

Keep the protein up and ensure that you're either at maintenance or no more than a slight deficit to aid healing.

When you/your Dr feel that the wrist is healed sufficiently you should ask about specific exercises as a form of physiotherapy.

MelissaPhippsFeagins

I would not be at any weight on it at all because that could cause malunion. Cardio would be fine. Ask your surgeon about doing anything else before the cast comes off.